IRLAB Therapeutics has announced key advancements in its Parkinson's disease pipeline, marking progress in clinical trials, regulatory achievements, and patent grants. The company's interim report for January-September 2024 highlights the progress of its three most advanced projects: mesdopetam, pirepemat, and IRL757.
Mesdopetam: Preparing for Phase III
IRLAB is actively preparing for the Phase III program of mesdopetam (IRL790), a drug candidate targeting levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) in Parkinson's disease. Recent scientific advisory meetings with the German Medicines Agency (BfArM) and the Portuguese INFARMED provided valuable guidance on the Phase III program design, aligning with IRLAB's proposals. A meta-analysis of two Phase II studies, presented at the International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders (MDS), demonstrated that mesdopetam provides clinically significant anti-dyskinetic effects without impairing motor function and reduces "OFF time". Market research indicates a high willingness to pay from healthcare organizations and significant commercial potential for mesdopetam in the US and Europe.
Pirepemat: Phase IIb Study Completed
The Phase IIb study of pirepemat (IRL752), designed to improve balance and reduce falls in Parkinson's disease patients, has completed patient enrollment. Blinded data from the study indicates a reduction in the number of falls compared to baseline observations. However, the double-blind nature of the study prevents definitive conclusions about the effect of pirepemat versus placebo until the study is fully unblinded and analyzed.
IRL757: Advancing Apathy Treatment
IRLAB has completed the first part of its Phase I study with IRL757, a drug candidate for treating apathy in neurodegenerative disorders. Results show good exposure in the body and a favorable safety profile. A second sub-study, involving repeated and increasing doses, is underway. Additionally, dosing has commenced in a Phase I study with IRL757 in healthy older adults, triggering a USD 2.5 million milestone payment from development partner MSRD.
Patent Protection
IRLAB received two new patents, one for mesdopetam in Europe and another for pirepemat in the US, extending the patent protection for these drug candidates and enhancing their commercial value.
Kristina Torfgård, CEO of IRLAB, stated, "We have an exciting time ahead of us where I look forward to continuing to drive, together with our strong team, the development of the company and our portfolio of pioneering drug candidates in the Parkinson's area."
