Zurich-Schlieren, May 30, 2017. Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as DARPin® therapies, today announced that the first patient was dosed in the phase 2 multiple myeloma study of its lead oncology asset MP0250. In the first phase 2 study, the efficacy and safety of MP0250 will be examined in combination with bortezomib (Velcade®) and dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma who have failed standard therapies. The study will be performed in three different countries: Germany, Poland and Italy. Initial safety data are expected in 2017 and efficacy data in 2018.
In addition, the company announced that MP0250 will also be further evaluated in solid tumors. Molecular Partners intends submit to the FDA in H2 2017 an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for a phase 1b/2 trial of MP0250 in combination with osimertinib (Tagrisso®) in EGFR-mutated T790M-positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. Osimertinib, a third-generation TKI targeting EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), has recently become the standard treatment for those NSCLC patients which harbor a T790M mutation. Despite this novel treatment, patients eventually relapse and treatments become ineffective. MP0250 offers the possibility to target two of the described escape pathways – HGF and VEGF. The combination of MP0250 http://www.mindanews.com/buy-paxil/ with osimertinib is expected to continuously block the EGFR-mutated pathway and simultaneously inhibit two additional non-EGFR related pathways of resistance.
“We are pleased and proud to have reached this important milestone to dose the first patient in our multiple myeloma phase 2 study. This is the first step to test our hypothesis that MP0250 can address resistance pathways in various hematological and solid tumors. The submission of an IND for the first solid tumor indication will be another important milestone in the development program of our lead oncology asset MP0250 later this year,” commented Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer at Molecular Partners.
About Molecular Partners AG
Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin® therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors.
For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.
