US Food and Drug Administration has agreed with Pharnext and provided clear guidance on the regulatory pathway to approval for PXT3003, including key design elements of a single pivotal Phase III study
PARIS, France, 7:00 a.m., June 10, 2020 (CET) – Pharnext SA (FR0011191287 – ALPHA), a biopharmaceutical company pioneering new approaches to developing innovative drug combinations based on big genomics data and artificial intelligence, today provided an update on the regulatory and clinical status of PXT3003, its lead program in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1A (“CMT1A”).
Regulatory Update
PXT3003 is a novel drug candidate for the treatment of CMT1A and has been granted both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). In Pharnext’s previous interactions with FDA, the agency provided guidance that an additional Phase III study would be required. Based on our most recent interactions with FDA through a Type C meeting, FDA has now provided a very clear path to NDA submission for approval of our lead clinical program.
The FDA has agreed with the key elements of Pharnext’s approach for the developmental pathway to approval for PXT3003. Specifically, the FDA has indicated that a single pivotal Phase III study in CMT1A delivering robust results could be sufficient for approval of PXT3003. This study design will be similar to the earlier Phase III study of PXT3003 that yielded encouraging top line results in October 2018. The FDA has agreed that the primary endpoint will again be Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale (ONLS). Notably, the FDA has also agreed that the factorial study requirement for combination drugs can be carried out in a preclinical CMT1A disease animal model, and not in a human Phase III clinical trial as typically required. The animal factorial study, a requirement for NDA filing, will be done under GLP or GLP-like conditions and will have a similar study design and use the same CMT1A model as our previously successful preclinical factorial study.
Phase III Trial Design Update
For the upcoming Phase III pivotal study, as recommended by FDA, Pharnext will use ONLS as the primary endpoint, as was used in the previous Phase IIIstudy. We will have two arms in the study which will compare the high dose vs placebo. The high dose showed encouraging resultsin the earlier Phase IIIstudy. In addition, we have resolved the past manufacturing issue with our high dose oral solution and will now use the earlier successful low dose oral solution formulation in a higher volume to deliver the high dose in our upcoming Phase III trial. We will also be utilizing a more convenient new unit dose package format, stick packs (liquid sachets), that will assure optimal patient compliance and more accurate dosing.
Pharnext plans to initiate the final pivotal Phase III clinical study before the end of Q1 2021.
Dr David Horn Solomon, Chief Executive Officer commented, “We are grateful that the FDA has provided strong and specific guidance to complete pivotal studies towards NDA submission and approval for PXT3003 in CMT1A. Both the Phase III clinical trial as well asthe preclinical animalstudy will be informed in their design by the earlier Phase III clinical trial that provided encouraging top-line results, and the earlier animal study that was successful, respectively. We have addressed earlier manufacturing issues and look forward to PHARNEXT | CREATING NEW SOLUTIONS Page 2 initiating the Phase III clinical trial before the end Q1 2021. Our goal at Pharnext is to provide CMT1A patients and their caregivers a new therapeutic to treat this disease where no therapy currently exists.”
About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT1A)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease encompasses a heterogeneous group of inherited, progressive, chronic peripheral neuropathies. CMT type 1A (CMT1A), the most common type of CMT, is an orphan disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the U.S. and E.U. The genetic mutation responsible for CMT1A is a duplication of the PMP22 gene coding for a peripheral myelin protein. Overexpression of this gene causes degradation of the neuronal sheath (myelin) and nerve dysfunction. As a result, patients have a significantly altered quality of life, suffering from progressive muscle atrophy of the limbs causing problems with walking, running balance and hand function. They may have loss of sensation, pain and cramps, and at least 5% need wheelchairs. First symptoms usually appear during childhood and progressively evolve throughout patients’ lives. To date, no curative or symptomatic medications have been approved and treatment consists of supportive care such as orthotics, leg braces, physical and occupational therapy or surgery.
About PXT3003
Pharnext’s first-in-class PLEODRUG™ PXT3003, developed using Pharnext’s R&D platform, PLEOTHERAPY™, is a novel oral fixed-dose combination of baclofen, naltrexone and sorbitol, with Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and E.U. PXT3003, Pharnext’s lead PLEODRUG™, has shown positive results both in non-clinical pharmacology and clinical studies for the treatment of CMT1A. In non-clinical pharmacology studies, PXT3003 inhibited the overexpression of the PMP22 gene, improved myelination of peripheral nerves and motor / sensory impairments. In a Phase II clinical study in 80 adult patients with CMT1A, PXT3003 was safe and well tolerated. In addition, PXT3003 showed trends in multiple efficacy endpoints beyond stabilization, particularly the ONLS scale. These results were published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases (OJRD) in December 2014. In October 2018, PXT3003 completed an international Phase III trial in 323 patients 16 years and older for the treatment of CMT1A, confirming the excellent safety profile of the combination and demonstrating an encouraging efficacy profile. The Phase III extension study is currently ongoing. An additional international pivotal Phase III trial is planned to be initiated in the first quarter of 2021.
About Pharnext
Pharnext is an advanced clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeuticsfor orphan and common neurodegenerative diseases that currently lack curative and/or disease-modifying treatments. Pharnext has two lead products in clinical development. PXT3003 completed an international Phase 3 trial with positive topline results for the treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A and benefits from orphan drug status in Europe and the United States. PXT864 has generated encouraging Phase 2 results in Alzheimer’s disease. Pharnext has developed a new drug discovery paradigm based on big genomics data and artificial intelligence: PLEOTHERAPY™. Pharnextidentifies and developssynergic combinations of drugs called PLEODRUG™. The Company was founded by renowned scientists and entrepreneurs including Professor Daniel Cohen, a pioneer in modern genomics, and is supported by a world-class scientific team. More information at www.pharnext.com. Pharnext is listed on the Euronext Growth Stock Exchange in Paris (ISIN code: FR0011191287).
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Pharnext and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Pharnext considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in Pharnext’s document de base filed with the AMF on June 2, 2016 under number I.016-0050 as well as in its annual periodic management reports and press releases (copies of which are available on www.pharnext.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Pharnext operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this pressrelease are also subject to risks not yet known to Pharnext or not currently considered material by Pharnext. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Pharnext to be materially different from such forward- PHARNEXT | CREATING NEW SOLUTIONS Page 3 looking statements. Pharnext disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Pharnext shares in any country.
Contacts Pharnext
Pharnext
Dr. David Horn Solomon
Chief Executive Officer
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Media Relations (Europe)
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Bruno Arabian
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Pierre-Louis Germain
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Financial Communication (France)
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Stéphane Ruiz
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Investors Relations (U.S.)
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Jane Urheim
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When will PXT 3003 finally be made available and how much will it cost? Since the components of the drug are all FDA approved, why is it taking so long to become available? I was so excited about finally having a drug that could possibly improve my quality of life but I’m beginning to think I will not see it in my lifetime. I am too old for clinical trials and can barely walk. My balance is bad and my hands and legs are getting weaker every day. I have CMT1A. I would be willing to try it at my own risk.
Hi Barbara,
PXT 3003 are about to enter the Phase III. be on the lookout for sites if you are interested in participating.
My husband has CMT 1A. He can barely walk. We desperately want to be a part of a clinical trial if at all possible. We live north of Charlotte , NC.
Thank you.
Please consider our site for your phase III trial. We enjoyed our participation in the phase II trial. Thank you.
Kevin J. Felice, D.O.
Chief │ Department of Neuromuscular Medicine │ Hospital for Special Care
Director │ Charles H. Kaman Neuromuscular Center
Director │ Centers of Excellence │ MDA │ ALSA │ HNF │ CMTA
Director │ Electroneuromyography (EMG) Laboratory (AANEM-Accredited)
Principal Investigator │ Neuromuscular Research & Clinical Trials Unit
Professor of Neurology │ University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hospital for Special Care │ 2150 Corbin Avenue │ New Britain, CT 06053 │ USA
(860) 612-6305 (phone) │ (860) 612-6304 (fax) │ [email protected] │ http://www.hfsc.org
Thank you Dr. Felice for your interest.
Has pxt3003 been studied on cmtx link or just cmt1a?
Hi Peter,
PXP3003 is for CMT1A.
encouraging news. When I told people about my cmt condition I laughingly said that three european Dr’s became known by naming our trouble and then for more than 100 years we have a name but no cure. Now am I too old at 77 to benefit or can we halt my decline so that I could stand still —no shuffling —no falling backwards oh but then my counterbalence assistant GINGER my German dog would lose her role. But then she could still go with me for moral support. We wouldn’t have to tell anyone.
When PXT 3003 finally comes on line will it be available in Australia and at what cost? I am almost 87 years old and have suffered with CMT 1A all my life. I have two sons and the younger of the two has it also and has passed it on to three of his four children. He is an Optometrist and has done a lot to help people. All four children are now studying at University and doing well with their studies.
I inherited it from my father who was one of eight children but seems to have been the only one in his family to have it.
I have cmt i have used a wheel chair for a long time. I have problems with hands legs hearing!
I hve Charcot