Theratechnologies Announces New Clinical Program in Muscle Wasting in COPD
Complete the form below to unlock access to ALL audio articles.
Theratechnologies has announced a new clinical program for muscle wasting in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) using the Company's lead compound, tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor ("GRF") analogue.
Based on tesamorelin's anabolic properties, the Company has chosen to pursue the development of its lead compound in muscle wasting in patients with COPD as its second indication. COPD is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema leading in certain cases to muscle wasting, a decrease of muscle mass and deterioration in functionality.
Previously, Theratechnologies completed a Phase 2 trial in stable ambulatory COPD patients which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in lean body mass. The Company intends to commence a second Phase 2 clinical study in the second half of 2011 to test different dosages of tesamorelin with a new formulation.
Based on available market and industry data, the Company estimates that in 2009, the number of diagnosed COPD patients in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Stage II or III suffering from a muscle wasting condition, with a body mass index under 25, was approximately 3.1 million in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain and Japan.
"There are a large number of patients who suffer from muscle wasting in COPD and it is our hope that we can eventually improve the condition of those patients in need," stated Mr. John-Michel T. Huss, President and CEO of Theratechnologies.
"Expanding into this new disease area will allow us to maximize the global commercial potential of tesamorelin," he commented. "This is further evidence regarding our ability to deliver on our promise, as a management team, and a demonstration of our commitment to grow our company as well as solidify the future of Theratechnologies," Mr. Huss concluded.
The Phase 2 clinical study will evaluate the use of tesamorelin in a randomized, placebo controlled study with approximately 200 COPD patients, in GOLD stage II and III, with muscle wasting. Patients will be randomized to receive either one of two different dosages of tesamorelin or placebo each day for six months. Theratechnologies intends to randomize its first patient in the second half of 2011.
The primary endpoint will be an increase in lean body mass. Other efficacy endpoints will be measured, such as a six-minute walking distance test, exercise endurance time, and quality of life (daily activities). Safety assessments will include monitoring of adverse events and laboratory evaluations. If the Phase 2 study is successful, two Phase 3 studies (one pivotal and one confirmatory) are to be conducted in parallel.
This clinical trial program is estimated to take approximately four years and will use a new and more concentrated formulation of tesamorelin. The new formulation will require a smaller volume of injection and is expected to be stable at room temperature.
"We have already led a successful clinical program based on the lipolytic properties of tesamorelin and are now expanding into muscle wasting in COPD based on the anabolic properties of tesamorelin," commented Dr. Christian Marsolais, Vice-President, Clinical Research and Medical Affairs. "We are hoping to demonstrate that the increase of muscle mass by tesamorelin will have a positive impact on the functionality of the COPD patients with muscle wasting," he concluded.
