Recordati licenses Graspa from Erytech in Europe

Italian drugmaker Recordati (RC: MI) says it has entered into an agreement with French development-stage biopharma company Erytech Pharma, granting Recordati’s subsidiary Orphan Europe exclusive rights for the commercialization and distribution of Graspa for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Europe.

Graspa, human erythrocytes encapsulating L-asparaginase, for the treatment of hematological malignancies, is currently in pivotal Phase II/III clinical trial for ALL and will enter a Phase IIb trial in AML in Europe. The product has obtained an orphan drug designation in Europe and the USA for ALL.

Graspa is a new formulation of L-asparaginase with a safer and broader range of clinical use than existing forms due to the entrapment and protection of the enzyme inside homologous red blood cells. The added value of Graspa (by encapsulating L-asparaginase in red blood cells) relates to its ability to overcome existing limitations associated with conventional L-asparaginase via longer efficacy, better compliance, reduced doses and a better safety profile. Graspa is intended to satisfy the unmet medical needs of frail patients, patients suffering relapses and other patient groups for whom the current treatments are not suitable.