Trophos announces top-line results in trial of olesoxime in spinal muscular atrophy

French privately-owned biopharmaceutical firm Trophos has released top-line results from a pivotal clinical trial of its lead product candidate olesoxime in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) show a beneficial effect on the maintenance of motor function in SMA patients. If approved, olesoxime could be the first treatment specifically developed for SMA patients.

Study details

The pivotal study was conducted in seven European countries. It was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 165 type II and non-ambulatory type III SMA patients, ranging in age from three to 25 years old. Patients were randomized to treatment and evaluated every three months for two years. The primary outcome measure was the change in motor function at two years using a standardized neuromuscular disease-specific functional scale, the MFM. The secondary outcome measures included an additional scale, the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, as well as electromyography measures, pulmonary function, patient-reported outcomes such as clinical global impression (CGI), quality of life measures (PedsQL), typical SMA complications and product safety.

Results from this pivotal study showed a progressive loss of motor function in the placebo arm, as described for the typical disease progression and similarly documented in other observational and interventional trials. This loss of function, assessed as the primary endpoint, was prevented for two years in olesoxime-treated patients, with fewer disease-related adverse events. Other secondary endpoints were consistent with these effects.