Annovis Bio, Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) has announced that it has received FDA clearance to proceed with Phase 3 clinical trials for its lead drug candidate, buntanetap, in patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). This decision follows a successful End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, marking a significant step forward in the development of a potential new treatment for this debilitating neurodegenerative disease.
The FDA has greenlit two pivotal Phase 3 studies. The first is a 6-month study designed to confirm the symptomatic effects of buntanetap. The second is an 18-month study aimed at demonstrating the drug's potential to modify the course of the disease. Annovis Bio plans to initiate the 6-month symptomatic study in the first quarter of 2025.
Buntanetap's Safety Profile
The FDA has expressed no concerns regarding the safety data for buntanetap, including its effects on liver enzymes, potential drug interactions, dose selection, pharmacokinetics, and population pharmacokinetics. This clearance allows Annovis Bio to proceed with development using a new crystal form of the drug.
Financial Position
As of November 8, 2024, Annovis Bio reported cash and cash equivalents of $13.6 million. The company believes it has sufficient financial resources to support the preparatory studies for the Phase 3 trials and to initiate the pivotal Phase 3 AD study in Q1 2025.
Combination Therapy Patents
Annovis Bio has also strengthened its intellectual property portfolio by filing three new patents for combination therapies involving buntanetap. These patents cover combinations of buntanetap with dulaglutide (Trulicity), sildenafil (Viagra), or a combination of all three, representing a multifaceted approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases.
About Buntanetap
Buntanetap is an oral translational inhibitor of mRNAs of neurotoxic proteins, thereby lowering the synthesis of multiple neurotoxic proteins. In clinical trials, it has shown statistically significant improvement in cognition of AD patients and in motor function of PD patients.
Alzheimer's Disease Context
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Current treatments primarily address the symptoms of the disease, with limited options available to modify its underlying progression. Buntanetap represents a novel approach by targeting multiple neurotoxic proteins implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Leadership Insight
"The third quarter was marked by important milestones outlining the next steps for buntanetap," said Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, and CEO of Annovis. "The FDA gave us the green light to initiate confirmatory Phase 3 studies for early AD, and our team has been working hard to begin them in the coming year. We also strengthened our intellectual property portfolio by filing unique patents protecting new combinations of buntanetap with other medications for improving cognition."
