Memo Therapeutics AG Completes Enrollment in Phase II Trial of Potravitug for BK Viremia

• Memo Therapeutics AG has completed enrollment in its Phase II clinical trial of potravitug for treating BK viremia in kidney transplant patients.
• The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of potravitug, with topline data expected in mid-2025.
• Potravitug received fast-track designation from the FDA, highlighting the high unmet need for effective treatments for BK viremia, which affects up to 50% of kidney transplant recipients.
• The trial is the largest placebo-controlled study conducted for BK viremia, a severe infection increasing the risk of early graft loss.

Memo Therapeutics AG (MTx) announced the completion of patient enrollment in its Phase II clinical trial for potravitug, a BK polyomavirus (BKV)-neutralizing antibody. The study, conducted across 22 sites in the U.S., aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of potravitug in kidney transplant patients suffering from BK viremia.

Addressing BK Viremia in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BK viremia can reactivate in up to 50% of kidney transplant recipients, potentially leading to BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in up to 10% of these patients. BKVAN significantly elevates the risk of kidney loss and patient mortality. Currently, there are no approved disease-modifying treatments available for BK viremia, underscoring the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions.

Erik van den Berg, CEO of MTx, stated, "There are currently no disease modifying treatments available for BK viremia, so this clinical progress is a great milestone for both the field and Memo Therapeutics AG." He also expressed anticipation for the trial results and subsequent discussions with stakeholders regarding potential approval pathways.

Trial Design and Endpoints

The Phase II trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Topline data is expected in mid-2025. The primary endpoints include assessing the safety and tolerability of potravitug. Efficacy will be evaluated through the reduction of BK virus load in kidney transplant patients. The study is the largest placebo-controlled trial ever conducted for the treatment of BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients.

Fast-Track Designation and Unmet Need

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted fast-track designation to potravitug, acknowledging the significant unmet medical need and the absence of alternative treatments for BK viremia. Enrollment for the Phase II clinical trial commenced in June 2023.

Dr. David Wojciechowski, an investigator in the trial, commented, "I am pleased with the progress of the Phase II clinical trial for potravitug, which has first and best-in-class potential to treat BK viremia in kidney transplantation patients, a severe infection which increases the risk for early graft loss."