MicroDose Therapeutx Inc. today announced that it has acquired a portfolio of compounds for the potential treatment of chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and other diseases, from Epix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (EPIX) (Lexington, MA). The lead compound in the portfolio, formerly known as EPX-16006, is a novel, highly selective, oral, small molecule, now called MDT-006. The compound is extremely potent, possibly allowing for once-a-day dosing, and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in preclinical studies. Because of MDT-006's unique mechanism of action, it may also have application in non-gastrointestinal diseases. MicroDose intends to develop MDT-006 initially in an oral format using its PolyCap® delivery platform.
Commenting on the product acquisition, Mike Martin, Vice President, Licensing and Business Development at MicroDose said “Current pharmaceutical options are extremely limited to treat chronic constipation resulting from IBS and there is a substantial commercial opportunity for a safe and effective therapy. MDT-006 offers an attractive approach to current therapy and because the compound acts primarily on the colon and is not absorbed, it is expected to have fewer gastrointestinal and systemic side effects.”
MicroDose acquired EPIX’s global rights to the compounds in an outright purchase for cash. The acquisition includes rights to EPX 16006, its chemical analogues and supporting patents and development data, including toxicology studies and related materials. MicroDose plans to further develop MDT-006 internally and to seek partnering opportunities at an appropriate future stage of the development program.
The EPIX transaction is the second portfolio acquisition by MicroDose in the last two months. MicroDose earlier announced its purchase from ViroPharma Incorporated of anti-viral investigational compounds (MDT-637) for the potential prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV disease.
About IBS disease
While the exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is unknown, it is estimated that between 20 and 40 million US adults suffer from this disease. While both genders are candidates for IBS there is a higher incidence among women. According to Datamonitor, “IBS is one of the most common functional disorders and is one of the top 10 reasons for visits to primary care physicians.” Symptoms of the disease include constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue. IBS is often prevalent among patients suffering from psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
MDT-006 is a novel, highly selective, non absorbed, small molecule. In pre-clinical animal studies, the compound increased feces production and water content, reduced gastrointestinal transit time and further had no detectable plasma levels. MDT-006 has many potential uses, including as a treatment for chronic constipation and constipation related to IBS (IBS-C) and to side effects associated with medications and surgical procedures. It may also have applications for respiratory and ocular indications.
MicroDose’s patented PolyCap® system is a proprietary approach that enables the rapid development of fixed-dose-combination therapies in a single capsule, but separated by a physical barrier. This innovative approach relies on the proven strengths of capsules and the advantages of a barrier system, allowing for more rapid product development timelines, reduced development risk, and lower regulatory requirements.
About MicroDose Therapeutx
MicroDose Therapeutx is a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the quality of life for people suffering from serious diseases. The company focuses on developing proprietary products that address large unmet market opportunities, and on drug delivery platforms for the pulmonary, oral and transdermal delivery of medications. The company develops its products and technologies independently, as well as in partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies. MicroDose’s products and platforms currently target respiratory disease states such as asthma, COPD and RSV disease, as well as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. For more about MicroDose, see our website at; www.mdtx.com.
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