Icatibant: HOE 140, JE 049, JE049

Icatibant [HOE 140, JE 049] is a potent, specific and selective peptidomimetic bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist. It has a modified peptide structure, and is the first bradykinin receptor antagonist to act on the guinea-pig trachea without demonstrating agonist effects. Icatibant was originated by Hoechst Marion Roussel (now sanofi-aventis). Jerini AG is seeking a worldwide partner for the development and marketing of icatibant for the treatment of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis and seeking a partner in Asia, North America, South America and Australia for angioedema. In August 2004, Aventis merged with Sanofi-Synthelabo to form sanofi-aventis. Icatibant has shown an excellent safety profile in phase I studies. In December 2003, Jerini demonstrated positive results in the phase IIa study. Results obtained were statistically significant and clinically relevant. At the BIO 2004 International Annual Convention (BIO-2004) [San Francisco, CA, USA; 6-9 June 2004], Jerini reported plans to initiate phase IIb trials in this indication in the second half of 2004. It was announced in September 2004 by Jerini that a pivotal registration study, known as FAST 1 (For Angioedema Subcutaneous Treatment), had been initiated in the US and Canada. The protocol of a European study, known as FAST 2, was submitted to the authorities in September 2004. Jerini is currently conducting pivotal/registration trials for angioedema in the US, Canada and Europe. During the 3rd Annual BioPartnering North America Conference (BPN-2005), Jerini announced that it expects to complete registration trials in the second half of 2005/first half of 2006, with a launch of icatibant for HAE in 2007. The US FDA granted fast-track status to icatibant in July 2004 for the treatment of HAE. Effective December 2003, icatibant gained orphan drug status in the US for the same indication. Previously, in January 2003, the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products granted icatibant orphan drug status in Europe for the treatment of angioedema.