British Biotech announces more setbacks
BBG discontinued development of BB-76163, an aminopeptidase inhibitor, and BB-2827, an orally absorbed collegenase inhibitor. Both products were developed in collaboration with Serono (SWX:SEO; SRA) to treat inflammatory diseases. BB-76163 failed to show sufficient efficacy in preclinical models and toxilogical side effects were seen for BB-2827 in preclinical models. BB-2827 was in a Phase I trial.
Separately, Schering-Plough (SGP) returned rights to BB-3644, a second generation matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor from British Biotech (LSE:BBG; BBIOY), after the compound failed to show better tolerability than marimastat in a Phase Ib trial for cancer. Marimastat, BBG's first generation MMPI, also is licensed to SGP. The companies are discussing the future of marimastat, which has failed to reach its primary end point in seven Phase III trials. ...