Torii reports Japanese data for dust mite immunotherapy

Torii Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4551) said TO-203 met the primary endpoint of reducing Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS) vs. placebo in a Japanese Phase II/III trial in patients with house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis. Torii is also conducting a Japanese Phase II/III trial with TO-203 in patients with dust mite-induced allergic asthma, with data expected in "the coming months." Torii said the results from both trials will determine whether the company submits a Japanese NDA for the tablet-based sublingual allergen immunotherapy.

Torii has exclusive Japanese rights to TO-203 from ALK-Abello A/S (CSE:ALK-B), which plans to submit a European regulatory application for the product under the name Mitizax this year. Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) has exclusive North American rights, where the product is known as MK-8237. Last week, Merck said MK-8237 met the primary endpoint in a Phase IIb trial for house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis (see BioCentury Extra, March 5). ...