EuroBiotech Report—Idorsia insomnia data, Chiesi-uniQure, Redx-Loxo, Servier-Galapagos and Intec cannabinoid data

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly EuroBiotech Report. We start this week with Idorsia, which took a small step toward succeeding where its parent company Actelion failed by posting mid-phase data on its insomnia drug. The data teed up Idorsia to move the dual orexin receptor antagonist into phase 3, potentially after landing a partner.

UniQure had such a partner in place for the planned pivotal trial of its hemophilia B gene therapy. But Chiesi has now dumped the drug, leaving uniQure to fund development solo.

Redx Pharma escaped its own, more serious financial difficulties by offloading its BTK inhibitor to Loxo Oncology for $40 million. Servier took up its option on Galapagos’ osteoarthritis drug. Intec Pharma reported early-phase data on its cannabinoid candidate. And more.  

1. Actelion spinout Idorsia hits goals in insomnia phase 2

Phase 2 trials of Idorsia’s insomnia candidate ACT-541468 have met their primary endpoints. The top-line data link the dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) to significant decreases in the time subjects were awake at night, sparking a rise in the Actelion spinout’s stock price and talk of partnering up to enter phase 3.

2. Chiesi dumps uniQure’s hemophilia B gene therapy

Chiesi has cut its ties to uniQure’s hemophilia B gene therapy. The split gives uniQure full rights to AMT-060 but leaves it without a partner to co-fund R&D as it closes in on the start of a pivotal trial.

3. Redx sells cancer drug to Loxo to escape debt crisis

Redx Pharma has sold its BTK inhibitor program to Loxo Oncology for $40 million (€34 million) upfront to pay off an outstanding loan. The deal was put together by the insolvency firm that Liverpool council called in to recoup the loan and rescue Redx..

4. Servier licenses Galapagos' phase 1 osteoarthritis drug

Servier has licensed an osteoarthritis drug from Galapagos. The French drugmaker opted into the program and handed over another slice of the €290 million ($339 million) in milestones tied to it after getting a look at phase 1 data.

5. Intec posts early data on controlled-release cannabis pill

Intec Pharma has posted data from a phase 1 trial of its cannabinoid candidate. The early look at the pharmacokinetics achieved by delivering cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via Intec’s Accordion Pill encouraged the biotech to talk up further development.

And more articles of note>>