Apitope reclaims multiple sclerosis treatment from Merck after 7 years
pharmafile | October 17, 2016 | News story | Sales and Marketing | ATX-MS-1467, Apitope, Merck, multiple sclerosis
Apitope has announced it has reclaimed the global rights to its multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment ATX-MS-1467 from Merck for the first time since it granted the rights to the German firm in 2009 to develop and commercialise the compound.
ATX-MS-1467 has successfully completed two Phase I trials: one in the treatment of six secondary progressive MS (SMPS) sufferers and another in the treatment of 43 relapsing MS patients. MRI results from the trial (new gadolinium- and total gadolinium-enhancing [Gd+] lesions) showed a 78% decrease in the number of Gd+ brain lesions in patients with relapsing MS treated with intradermal injection of the compound.
“We believe ATX-MS-1467 has enormous potential for treating MS patients,” commented Apitope CEO Dr Keith Martin: “We are pleased to be regaining the rights to the compound, as well as the clinical data. This will provide us with greater flexibility and control in the clinical development of ATX-MS-1467. We are now able to pursue new business collaborations to enable the further development of this promising treatment. We appreciate the efforts made by the Merck, Darmstadt, Germany team members in advancing this programme to date.”
MS is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting up to 2.5 million people worldwide, according to World Health Organization estimates. The global MS therapeutics market was valued at $20 billion last year.
Enrolment for a Phase II trial of the compound was completed last year, with results expected before the year’s end.
Matt Fellows
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