Ipsen drops BIM 23A760 development on disappointing Ph IIb results

French drugmaker Ipsen (Euronext: IPN) says that the preliminary data from the ongoing Phase IIb study in patients with acromegaly for its chimeric compound BIM 23A760 does not meet the expected inhibition of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 levels after repeat dosing.

Preliminary Phase IIb data showed a strong dopaminergic activity but only weak evidence of somatostatinergic activity. No safety concerns have been observed throughout the trial but, as a consequence of the disappointing findings, Ipsen has decided to discontinue the development of BIM 23A760.

Claude Bertrand, Ipsen’s executive vice president and chief scientific officer, said: ”We are confident in the scientific rational of chimeric molecules as they can show enhanced biological activity compared to co-administered independent compounds. Chimeric molecules represent a powerful avenue for Ipsen on which we will continue to actively progress some of our
R&D programs in several disease areas.”