OxyPharma is a Swedish privately held
drug discovery company developing new drugs primarily for the treatment
of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In 1998, based
on pre-clinical results from the company's lead compound B-220, studies
were initiated to investigate its effect in inflammatory and autoimmune
disease models for RA and MS. Since then, the company has conducted numerous
preclinical studies, all strongly confirming B-220's positive effect on
RA and MS. During 2003 new and more potent analogues of B-220 were identified,
resulting in OxyPharma's first candidate drug (CD) in early 2004 –
Rabeximod (Rob 803) - for the treatment of RA. The companies second CD
was selected in march 2005 - Rob 895 - for the treatment of MS.
The company's compounds have shown outstanding effect in animal models where efficacy has matched or exceeded that of existing drugs on the market for RA and MS. Toxicology studies of the lead compound B-220 have been conducted with good results. The toxicology program preceding phase II clinical trials with Rabeximod is completed. A phase II study on patients with moderate to to severe active RA is ongoing. The phase II clinical trial is designed to evaluate the clinical response rate of Rabeximod when added to a stable dose of methotrexate.
OxyPharma has built a patent portfolio comprising approved patents for the lead compound B-220, covering the chemical synthesis of the substance and its use in RA and MS therapy. Furthermore, a patent application covering all analogues under development, their synthesis and their use in clinical indications including RA and MS has been approved by the Swedish Patent and Registration Office. PCT and US applications have been filed.
The value of the RA and MS markets are each estimated at more than USD 3 bn annually. Both markets are expected to grow at a rapid pace in the near term. However, there is a need for new and improved therapies in both disease areas. Problems with existing therapies include unsatisfactory efficacy, substantial side effects and inconvenience due to non-oral forms of administration. Having shown excellent efficacy and safety profile, and anticipating an oral administration form, OxyPharma believes that future drugs based on its novel compounds will enjoy a strong position on the market.
The company's compounds have shown outstanding effect in animal models where efficacy has matched or exceeded that of existing drugs on the market for RA and MS. Toxicology studies of the lead compound B-220 have been conducted with good results. The toxicology program preceding phase II clinical trials with Rabeximod is completed. A phase II study on patients with moderate to to severe active RA is ongoing. The phase II clinical trial is designed to evaluate the clinical response rate of Rabeximod when added to a stable dose of methotrexate.
OxyPharma has built a patent portfolio comprising approved patents for the lead compound B-220, covering the chemical synthesis of the substance and its use in RA and MS therapy. Furthermore, a patent application covering all analogues under development, their synthesis and their use in clinical indications including RA and MS has been approved by the Swedish Patent and Registration Office. PCT and US applications have been filed.
The value of the RA and MS markets are each estimated at more than USD 3 bn annually. Both markets are expected to grow at a rapid pace in the near term. However, there is a need for new and improved therapies in both disease areas. Problems with existing therapies include unsatisfactory efficacy, substantial side effects and inconvenience due to non-oral forms of administration. Having shown excellent efficacy and safety profile, and anticipating an oral administration form, OxyPharma believes that future drugs based on its novel compounds will enjoy a strong position on the market.