Ipsen and IRLAB Enter Exclusive Worldwide Licensing Agreement for Novel Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonist Mesdopetam

July 16, 2021 /BioonBIOON/ --Ipsen (ipsen） recently signed a licensing agreement with IRLAB, obtaining aNovel dopamine D3 receptor antagonist mesdopetam (IRL790)the exclusive global development and commercialization rights. Through this licensing agreement, Ipsen aims to develop a drug with a novel mechanism of action to improve the lives of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Currently, mesdopetam is in Phase 2b.Clinical Trialevaluated as a potential treatment option for patients currently experiencingLevodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID)patients with PD. LID is a common and severe involuntary movement in patients with PD. It is estimated that approximately 40–50% of PD patients will develop LID after 5 years of dopamine replacement therapy. Currently, treatment options for LID are limited. Additionally, mesdopetam is in the early stages of development for the treatment ofParkinson's disease psychosis (PDP), which is a common symptom of PD, with approximately 50% of PD patients eventually developing it over the course of the disease.

IRLAB will continue to be responsible for the ongoing Phase 2b trial. Ipsen will initiate Phase 3 preparatory activities and will be responsible for all remaining clinical development and global commercialization. Under the terms of the agreement, IRLAB will be eligible to receive up to $363 million, including a $28 million upfront cash payment and up to $335 million in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. IRLAB is also eligible to receive low double-digit tiered royalties on global net sales of mesdopetam. The transaction will not affectips2021 Financial Guidance.

Chemical structure of mesdopetam (Image source: medkoo.com)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 10 million people worldwide. The most common motor symptoms of the disease are tremor, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia. Patients with PD also experience other non-motor issues, including anxiety, pain, and depression. PD symptoms are typically managed with medications such as levodopa, which aims to compensate for the loss of dopaminergic neurons. A common side effect of levodopa is dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary and uncoordinated movements of the face, arms, legs, or trunk. For many PD patients, dyskinesia can be severe enough to interfere with normal daily functioning.

Mesdopetam (IRL790) is a novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonist developed for patients with PD for the prevention and treatment of LID, and for the treatment of PDP. Data from completed Phase 1b and Phase 2a clinical programs show that,In PD patients experiencing LID, mesdopetam treatment resulted in significant improvement in clinically relevant endpoints, reducing the time patients spent experiencing dyskinesia and extending their "ON-time".. ON-time refers to the daily duration during which PD patients receiving levodopa therapy experience sustained optimal efficacy without dyskinesia. Preclinical studies indicate that,Mesdopetam is an effective anti-dyskinetic drug that also has the potential to prevent dyskinesia.Furthermore, in preclinical studies,Mesdopetam also exhibits antipsychotic properties.

ipsDr. Howard Mayer, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, stated: “We are pleased to enter into this license agreement with IRLAB. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring mesdopetam to patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are experiencing levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). We are excited to strengthen our pipeline and deepen our commitment to the global neuroscience community, including patients suffering from this debilitating neurodegenerative disease.” (Bioon.com)

Original Source:Ipsen and IRLAB enter exclusive worldwide licensing agreement aimed to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease