OSE-Pharma debuts to resume development of EP2101
Newco Orphan Synergy Europe-Pharma (Paris, France) made its public debut with plans to revive development of a cancer vaccine initially developed more than a decade ago by co-founder Emile Loria at San Diego-based Epimmune Inc. OSE-Pharma acquired worldwide development rights and European commercialization rights to EP2101 (EP-2101), which has completed Phase II testing to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The newco is preparing to start an international Phase III trial in the indication. The vaccine has also completed a Phase I/II trial to treat colorectal cancer.
OSE-Pharma said it is in discussions with potential investors to raise EUR 2-EUR 5 million ($2.5-$6.2 million). Loria was Epimmune's president and CEO from 2001 until the company merged with Immuno-Designed Molecules S.A. in 2005 to form IDM Pharma Inc. In 2009, IDM was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4502), which out-licensed EP2101 in 2011 to a new San Diego-based company founded by Loria, Biotech Synergy. EU Synergy Epitopes S.A. (Geneva, Switzerland) later acquired the product and licensed it to OSE-Pharma. ...