- Pivotal trial did not meet primary and secondary endpoints evaluating impact on function and survival
- Orphazyme remains focused on commercial readiness and potential U.S. approval of arimoclomol for Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) in June
- Sept 29, 20: Orphazyme, a Danish late-stage biotech developing protein therapies for rare neurodegenerative diseases, raised $84 million by offering 7.6 million ADS equivalents at $11, below the as-converted last close of its shares on the Nasdaq Copenhagen (ORPHA). At pricing, the company raised -16% less in proceeds than anticipated.
Copenhagen – May 7, 2021 – Orphazyme A/S (ORPHA.CO; ORPH), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the heat shock protein response for the treatment of rare diseases, today announced that the ORARIALS-01 pivotal trial of arimoclomol in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) did not meet its primary and secondary endpoints to show benefit in people living with ALS. No important safety signals were reported in the trial. Topline data will be presented at the upcoming virtual European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) meeting, May 12-14, and complete data from the study will be published later this year.
“We are disheartened by these results, as we had hoped arimoclomol might represent a viable new approach against the formidable challenge of this devastating disease. We express our sincere thanks to the investigators, patients and families for their participation and collaboration in our program,” said Thomas Blaettler, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Orphazyme. “With over 18 months of evaluation, this trial represents one of the longest running clinical studies in this category. While unsuccessful, the data generated will contribute meaningfully to the scientific dialogue on this challenging disease. We will apply the invaluable insights from this and other studies to further our pipeline as we continue to pursue the full potential of the heat shock protein response.”
The randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial was conducted among 245 patients at 29 sites in 12 countries in North America and Europe. Participants were randomized (2:1 ratio) to receive either arimoclomol (248 mg three times daily)i or placebo for up to 76 weeks. The primary endpoint was to determine the efficacy of chronic treatment with arimoclomol compared to placebo in participants with ALS as assessed by the combined assessment of function and survival (CAFS). This endpoint was selected to illustrate the overall treatment effect based on survival and the change in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score. Secondary endpoints included survival, change in ALSFRS-R, and slow vital capacity (SVC).
About arimoclomol
Arimoclomol is an investigational drug candidate that amplifies the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs can rescue defective misfolded proteins, clear protein aggregates, and improve the function of lysosomes. Arimoclomol is administered orally, and has now been studied in 10 phase 1, four phase 2 and three pivotal phase 2/3 trials. Arimoclomol is in clinical development for NPC and Gaucher disease. Arimoclomol has received orphan drug designation (ODD) for NPC in the US and EU. Arimoclomol has received fast-track designation (FTD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for NPC. In addition, arimoclomol has received breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) and rare-pediatric disease designation (RPDD) from the FDA for NPC. Arimoclomol is an investigational treatment and has not been approved by the FDA.
