Proactive Investors - ImmuPharma PLC (LON:IMM) has made progress in the development of treatments for autoimmune diseases, particularly Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), the company said in an update accompanying its interims.
Unlike traditional treatments, the drug targets the malfunctioning immune system without suppressing it, which could broaden its use case beyond the two indications for which it is seeking approval.
In SLE, a new phase III clinical trial is being prepared in collaboration with Simbec-Orion. This study will use a higher monthly dose of P140 compared to the previous evaluation completed in 2018, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
For CIDP, a rare autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system, ImmuPharma is planning a phase II/III assessment. This comes after receiving positive feedback from the US regulators last year. The company is close to submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, and Simbec-Orion has also been chosen to manage this trial.
"We remain committed as a board, on the development of P140 in SLE and CIDP, our two key late-stage clinical assets, together with securing additional partnering for P140," said chairman and CEO, Tim McCarthy.
"We have made significant scientific progress over the last period, including refinement of the protocols for the SLE and CIDP studies and new insights into the MOA [mechanism of action] of P140, and as a result, we have a high level of confidence of the success of these new studies.
"We will also continue to concentrate on securing further commercial and partnering deals, on which we have made significant progress over the last six months."
In addition to progress with its lead asset, ImmuPharma's preclinical programmes for antifungal and antibacterial drugs are on track.
Financially, ImmuPharma halved its losses year-on-year to £0.4 million for the six months ending June 30. More importantly, it held a cash balance of £1.1 million at the end of the period.
In June, it realised £1.5 million from the sale of shares in sister company Incanthera (AQUIS:INCIN) and on Monday announced 7.3 million warrants in that business have been extended to March 31 next year.