Biophytis obtains IND approval from the FDA
to start its phase 2 OBA study in obesity
Paris (France) and Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA), July 11, 2024 – 07:00am CET – Biophytis SA (Euronext Growth Paris : ALBPS), ("Biophytis" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialized in the development of therapeutics for age-related diseases, today announced that it has received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its phase 2 OBA clinical study in obesity with BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone).
The primary objective of the study is to measure the improvement in muscle strength in the lower limbs, as assessed by knee extension test. Secondary endpoints will include analysis of mobility (via the 6-minute walk test) and body composition (assessment of fat and lean mass). A world-renowned medical expert in the field of obesity and President-elect of the American Obesity Society, Marc-André Cornier, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Unit at the Medical University of South Carolina, will be the principal investigator of the phase 2 OBA study.
Professor Marc-André Cornier commented: "I am very happy that the IND for the phase 2 OBA clinical study with BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone) has been approved by the FDA. It is critical for us to study the safety and efficacy of new therapies designed to reduce the risk of muscle mass loss and resulting muscle weakness with functional consequences that may be associated with incretin-based therapies. Additionally we might observe further weight loss over and above that obtainable with a GLP-1 RA."
The multicenter study is due to start mid-2024 in the USA and could be extended to Europe. Preliminary results on the efficacy of BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone) are expected in 2025. Biophytis is seeking funding and partnerships to complete this study.
Stanislas Veillet, CEO de Biophytis, stated: "Obesity represents a major medical challenge and a significant growth opportunity for Biophytis. The obesity treatment market, estimated at $6 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 42%. Obtaining an IND from the FDA is a crucial step that will enable us to make rapid progress in this indication and attract new pharmaceutical partners. We are convinced that BIO101 could become a reference treatment for preserving muscle mass, strength and function in obese patients treated with GLP-1 RAs. This development has convinced our partner Blanver in Latin America, and we are convinced that it will attract new ones in other regions of the world where obesity is a major health issue."
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About BIOPHYTIS
Biophytis SA is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of drug candidates for age-related diseases. BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone), our lead drug candidate, is a small molecule in development for muscular (sarcopenia, phase 3 ready and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, phase 1-2 study to be started, respiratory (Covid-19, phase 2 completed) and metabolic diseases (obesity, phase 2 to be started). The company is based in Paris, France, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Growth (Ticker: ALBPS -ISIN: FR0012816825). For more information, visit www.biophytis.com
Forward-looking statements
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Biophytis contacts
Investor relations
Nicolas Fellmann, CFO
Investors@biophytis.com
Media
Antoine Denry: antoine.denry@taddeo.fr – +33 6 18 07 83 27
Nizar Berrada: nizar.berrada@taddeo.fr – +33 6 38 31 90 50
