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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].