Allievex, backed by Pappas and Novo, scoops up BioMarin ultra-rare disease assets

Pappas Ventures has founded Allievex to house a portfolio of rare disease candidates deprioritized by BioMarin, including a therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB that has reached clinical testing.

Newly launched Allievex Corp. holds an exclusive, worldwide license from BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) to tralesinidase alfa (formerly BMN 250), an enzyme replacement therapy to treat MPS IIIB, also known as Sanfilippo type B syndrome. Now in Phase II testing, tralesinidase alfa is the most advanced of four programs Allievex has obtained, President and CEO Thomas Mathers told BioCentury. He is also a partner at Pappas...