Merck KGaA has another stab at multiple sclerosis, gaining rights to Peptimmune PI-2301 program

German drug major Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) is taking another look at the multiple sclerosis market, where it is already a leader with its Rebif (interferon beta-1qa), acquiring worldwide exclusive rights to PI-2301, an experimental drug for multiple sclerosis, previously developed by privately-held US biotech Peptimmune. PI-2301 has completed Phase Ib in multiple sclerosis and is ready to initiate Phase II clinical trials.

Merck suffered a disappointment in its attempts to develop an oral MS drug, Movectro (cladribine), finally deciding to drop the program and leaving the tablet sector clear for Swiss drug major Novartis’ Gilenya (fingolimod), which gained regulatory clearance last year (The Pharma Letter June 23). The advent of oral MS treatments is expected to expand the already $10 billion a year MS market to some $15 billion.

“Over the years we have continuously worked on developing innovative treatment options that meet the individual needs of people living with multiple sclerosis,” said Susan Herbert, head of global portfolio development at the Merck Serono division, adding: “We are pleased to strengthen our development pipeline with the PI-2301 compound, which could play a valuable role in the treatment of this debilitating disease.”