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Press Release: Sanofi provides update on tolebrutinib in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Globenewswire· 2025-12-15 06:05
Core Insights - Sanofi's tolebrutinib did not meet its primary endpoint in the PERSEUS phase 3 study for primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), leading the company to decide against pursuing regulatory registration for this indication [1][8][10] Company Updates - Sanofi expressed disappointment over the study results but emphasized the importance of these findings in enhancing the understanding of multiple sclerosis biology [2] - The safety profile of tolebrutinib was consistent with previous studies, with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) identified as a risk, necessitating strict liver monitoring [2][4] - Tolebrutinib was provisionally approved in the UAE for non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and is under regulatory review in the EU and other regions [3] Financial Considerations - Sanofi will conduct an impairment test on the intangible asset value of tolebrutinib, with results expected in January 2026, but this will not impact the business net income or financial guidance for 2025 [4] Industry Context - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by progressive disability, with PPMS representing about 10% of the overall MS patient population [1][5] - There is a significant unmet need in addressing disability accumulation in MS, particularly for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis [6]
Contineum Therapeutics' Multiple Sclerosis Trial Disappoints, But Analyst Sees Other Assets Driving Value
Benzinga· 2025-11-21 16:49
Core Insights - Contineum Therapeutics, Inc. reported topline data from its Phase 2 VISTA trial of PIPE-307, an M1 receptor antagonist for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) [1] - The trial showed acceptable safety and tolerability but did not meet its primary or secondary efficacy endpoints [2] - The company plans to present the complete dataset at a future medical meeting and publish full results in a peer-reviewed journal [3] Trial Results - The trial did not show significant changes in binocular 2.5% low contrast letter acuity across treatment arms in RRMS patients [2] - RBC Capital Markets noted that the trial was high risk compared to other programs due to limited evidence, despite some preclinical rationale [4] Future Plans - The company initiated a global Phase 2 clinical trial of PIPE-791 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Q4 2025 [5] - The initiation of PIPE-791 PrMS and CTX-343 clinical development efforts has been deferred, extending the projected cash runway through 2028 [5] Market Reaction - Following the trial results, CTNM stock decreased by 13.26%, trading at $10.60 [6]
Immunic, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
Prnewswire· 2025-11-13 11:30
Core Insights - Immunic, Inc. presented significant data on vidofludimus calcium's therapeutic potential for multiple sclerosis (MS) at the 41st Congress of ECTRIMS, highlighting its ability to improve disability outcomes in progressive MS and its neuroprotective properties [1][2][5] Clinical Development - Phase 2 CALLIPER trial data showed a statistically significant 24-week confirmed disability improvement in progressive MS, with consistent results across various subgroups, supporting the drug's neuroprotective potential [1][2][5] - Long-term data from the phase 2 EMPhASIS trial indicated high rates of patients remaining free from confirmed disability worsening, demonstrating favorable safety and tolerability over treatment durations of up to 5.5 years [1][2][5] - Top-line data from the twin phase 3 ENSURE trials in relapsing MS is expected by the end of 2026, with the potential to address a significant market need in progressive MS [1][2][5] Financial Performance - Research and Development (R&D) expenses for Q3 2025 were $20.0 million, a decrease from $21.4 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to reduced external development costs [4][6] - General and Administrative (G&A) expenses increased to $6.0 million in Q3 2025 from $4.4 million in Q3 2024, driven by higher personnel costs [9] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was approximately $25.6 million, compared to a net loss of $24.4 million in Q3 2024, reflecting an increase in weighted average common shares outstanding [9][10] Intellectual Property - The company received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a key patent covering dose strengths of vidofludimus calcium for the treatment of progressive MS, potentially extending market exclusivity into 2041 [2][5] Market Opportunity - With only one approved therapy currently available for primary progressive MS, vidofludimus calcium presents a significant opportunity in an underserved multi-billion-dollar market [2][5]
Autolus Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Trial of Obecabtagene Autoleucel (Obe-Cel) in Patients with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Globenewswire· 2025-10-20 11:00
Core Insights - Autolus Therapeutics has initiated the Phase 1 BOBCAT trial for its CAR T cell therapy, obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel), targeting progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) patients, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the MS community [1][3] Company Overview - Autolus Therapeutics plc is an early commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation T cell therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, utilizing proprietary T cell programming technologies [6] - The company has a marketed therapy, AUCATZYL®, and a pipeline of candidates for treating hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases [6] Product Details - Obe-cel is a CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy designed to minimize excessive activation of T cells through a fast target binding off-rate, currently under investigation for progressive forms of multiple sclerosis [4][7] - The therapy has been previously approved for adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) [8][9] Clinical Trial Insights - The Phase 1 BOBCAT trial will include up to 18 adult patients and aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of obe-cel in patients with refractory progressive forms of multiple sclerosis [2] - The primary endpoint of the trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of obe-cel, with preliminary efficacy data being collected based on standard efficacy measures [2] Market Context - Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1,000,000 individuals in the US, with around 30% suffering from progressive forms of the disease, highlighting a significant unmet need for effective treatments [5] - Current treatment options for progressive MS are limited, particularly for patients whose conditions continue to deteriorate despite existing therapies [2][5]
Quantum BioPharma Announces Very Promising Results from the Massachusetts General Hospital Scientists on the Novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Tracer Used to Detect and Monitor Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Globenewswire· 2025-08-08 12:00
Company Overview - Quantum BioPharma Ltd. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative assets and biotech solutions for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, as well as alcohol misuse disorders [4] - The company is advancing its lead compound, Lucid-MS, which is a patented new chemical entity aimed at preventing and reversing myelin degradation, a key mechanism in multiple sclerosis (MS) [4] Research and Development - A joint clinical study with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is evaluating the PET tracer [F]3F4AP, which has shown the ability to detect differences across lesions in MS patients that are not visible through conventional MRI [2][3] - The study, published in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, indicates that the PET tracer could serve as a significant biomarker for monitoring demyelination and myelin integrity in MS patients [2][3] Clinical Implications - The ongoing collaborative study aims to further assess the imaging agent's potential to demonstrate the effectiveness of Quantum BioPharma's investigational drug, Lucid-21-302, which is designed to protect the myelin sheath in MS [4] - Dr. Andrzej Chruscinski, Vice-President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Quantum BioPharma, emphasized the promising nature of the PET tracer as a biomarker for MS lesions [4] Financial and Strategic Position - Quantum BioPharma retains a 20.10% ownership stake in Unbuzzd Wellness Inc., which is involved in the development of unbuzzd™, with a royalty agreement that includes 7% of sales until total payments reach $250 million, after which the royalty rate drops to 3% [4] - The company maintains a portfolio of strategic investments through its subsidiary, FSD Strategic Investments Inc., which includes loans secured by residential or commercial property [4]
Zenas BioPharma (ZBIO) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-06-05 18:25
Summary of Zenas BioPharma (ZBIO) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Zenas BioPharma is a biotechnology company focused on immunology and inflammation, established approximately five years ago [3][2] - The company is advancing its lead molecule, abexolumab, through various clinical studies [3][4] Key Programs and Milestones - **IgG4 Related Disease Program**: - Fully enrolled with last patient expected out in November, results anticipated by year-end [4][18] - The program targets a disease affecting 30,000 to 40,000 patients in the US and Europe, with a diagnosed prevalence of about 20,000 in each market [10][22] - **Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program**: - Phase II trial completed enrollment with results expected in early Q4 [4][23] - The study design includes MRI results at twelve weeks, focusing on cumulative new T1 GAD enhancing lesions [23][41] - **Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Program**: - Enrolling patients with results expected mid-next year [4][25] - Previous studies indicated a potential 35% benefit over placebo with proper dosing [25][57] Mechanism of Action - Abexolumab targets two markers on B cells: CD19 and FC gamma R2B (CD32B), which inhibits B cell activity [5][6] - The drug is designed to provide continuous exposure and target engagement, potentially leading to better patient outcomes compared to existing therapies like rituximab [15][16] Competitive Landscape - Abexolumab shows a faster onset of action and sustained response compared to rituximab, with a projected flare rate of under 10% versus 50-60% for placebo [18][19] - The market opportunity for IgG4 related disease is estimated at $3 billion in the US and $2 billion in Europe [22] Clinical Data and Expectations - The primary endpoint for the IgG4 related disease trial is time to disease flare, with a strong expectation of favorable results based on previous studies [18][40] - For the MS program, a significant reduction in T1 GAD enhancing lesions is anticipated, correlating with clinical outcomes [41][42] Corporate Strategy and Commercialization - Zenas BioPharma has a well-prepared team for commercialization, with $350 million in funding to support operations through Q4 2026 [65] - The company is exploring additional indications and potential business development opportunities to expand its portfolio [66] Conclusion - Zenas BioPharma is positioned to make significant advancements in the treatment of autoimmune diseases with its lead molecule abexolumab, backed by promising clinical data and a robust commercialization strategy [28][66]
FDA Accepts Sanofi's Filing for Multiple Sclerosis Drug Tolebrutinib
ZACKS· 2025-03-25 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's investigational BTK inhibitor tolebrutinib has received priority review from the FDA for treating non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (nrSPMS), with a final decision expected by September 28, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Filing and Studies - The FDA's acceptance of the filing is based on data from three late-stage studies, including one focused on nrSPMS and two on relapsing MS (RMS), demonstrating that tolebrutinib delayed disability progression compared to placebo [2]. - A similar regulatory filing is under review by the EMA, also supported by the same studies [2]. Group 2: Unique Treatment Potential - Tolebrutinib is positioned as the first and only brain-penetrant BTK inhibitor for both nrSPMS and RMS, targeting smoldering neuroinflammation, which is crucial for addressing disability accumulation in MS [3]. - Currently, there are no approved therapies for nrSPMS, highlighting a significant unmet need that tolebrutinib could potentially fulfill [4]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Future Studies - Year-to-date, Sanofi's shares have increased by 16%, outperforming the industry average growth of 6% [7]. - Sanofi is also evaluating tolebrutinib in a phase III study for primary progressive MS, with data expected in the second half of 2025 [8]. Group 4: Previous Clinical Holds - In 2022, the FDA placed a partial clinical hold on Sanofi's phase III studies for tolebrutinib due to cases of drug-induced liver injury observed in participants [9]. - The studies for myasthenia gravis (MG) indications were eventually discontinued after evaluating the competitive treatment landscape [10].