Immupharma Share News (IMM)

LONDON (Alliance News) - ImmuPharma PLC said it is in final preparations to open a managed access programme for its lupus drug Lupuzor to patients in Europe.

Shares in the drug discovery and development firm were down 8.6% at 11.65 pence on Thursday.

Lupuzor is ImmuPharma's lead compound and treats chronic autoimmune disease lupus, which causes inflammation in the skin, joints, and other organs. A phase three trial of Lupuzor concluded in 2018, with results from its open-label extension study of the trial due in the second quarter of 2019.

ImmuPharma said it is looking at "opportunities which over the longer term have the potential of bringing Lupuzor to market".

This includes engagement with possible corporate partners, as well as the commencement of a managed access programme. These programmes make drugs that are still being tested available to patients.

At present, final preparations for opening a managed access programme to patients in Europe are ongoing and Immupharma expects to provide updates "in due course".

Furthermore, ImmuPharma said it is still in discussions regarding its clinical development collaboration on the Nucant cancer programme.

ImmuPharma signed its accord with Incanthera in September. Under its terms, Incanthera will take up the clinical development of the programme as part of its own development portfolio.

The deal included a GBP1 million licence payment to ImmuPharma via the issue of shares in Incanthera.

At the end of 2018, the exclusivity period for the Nucant programme was extended to March 31.ImmuPharma said that discussions regarding the collaboration are continuing and an update will also be provided in due course.

Finally, ImmuPharma said it is looking to progress the assets of its subsidiary, Ureka Sarl.

"ImmuPharma continues to look at all options regarding progression of Ureka's assets. This process is ongoing and further updates will be announced as appropriate," said ImmuPharma.

A research paper on Ureka's Urelix technology, which prevents the breakdown or natural peptides in the body, was published in the journal Nature Communications in February.

Natural peptides are important to human biology because they bind to specific cells, but they are also quickly broken down by enzymes. Strengthening these peptides makes them more suitable for use as drugs.

ImmuPharma Chair Tim McCarthy said: "We remain focused on creating long term value throughout our portfolio through initiatives including the managed access program for Lupuzor, whilst the company continues to engage with industry partners for potential collaboration opportunities on its projects."