Lundbeck Extends Ossianix Research Collaboration To Develop New CNS Therapeutics
By C. Rajan, contributing writer
Denmark-based drugmaker Lundbeck has extended its research collaboration with U.S. based drug discovery and development company, Ossianix, to develop next generation CNS biotherapeutics.
The two companies have agreed to extend and expand their previous research collaboration launched in 2013. Their expanded collaboration will cover three main areas.
Lundbeck will work with Ossianix’s new Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) targeting technology platform which allows the delivery of antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals to treat CNS disorders. With this platform, Lundbeck will have access to a set of cross species reactive VNAR tools for designing novel products to fit individual therapeutic needs. Ossianix will help develop several targets that are aligned with Lundbeck’s therapeutic goals.
The companies will also work together on the ligand-gated P2X3 ion channel expressed on sensory neurons for the treatment of neuropathic pain. A joint research committee will manage the collaborative projects, while Lundbeck will finance the research based on development and regulatory milestones.
An additional equity investment will also be provided for Ossianix to advance its own therapeutic programs.
Kim Andersen, Senior VP of global research at Lundbeck said, “We are pleased to continue the collaboration with Ossianix. The delivery of biopharmaceuticals across the BBB remains a key area for us and we hope that with Ossianix we can make leaps forward for the benefit of patients suffering from brain diseases.”
Last week, Lundbeck also announced that it has decided to halt the development of its stroke drug candidate, desmoteplase, after showing mixed results in its Phase 3 trials. Lundbeck says that while the drug was well tolerated and showed some benefits to patients in the DIAS-3 and DIAS-4 clinical trials, it was not clear how to select patients for further evaluation. In the DIAS-3 study, the drug also did not show much benefit in reducing stroke symptoms compared to placebo.
The company is now considering alternatives for the drug, including selling it to another company. Lundbeck had developed desmoteplase as a potential alternative to Genentech’s similar drug, Activase (alteplase).
Desmoteplase, a genetically engineered version of a clot-dissolving natural protein, was designed to restore blood flow in patients after a stroke. The drug had been initially promising and had even received fast-track designation from the FDA. Following its decision to discontinue the drug, Lundbeck will incur a write-down charge of 309 million Danish kroner ($51 million) in the fourth quarter of 2014.