MIV-701 Preclinical efficacy data presented

Medivir has presented efficacy data for MIV-701 in a preclinical osteoporosis model at the ongoing conference of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research in Hawaii.

The results demonstrate that administration of MIV-701 in this preclinical disease model significantly reduces osteoclast cell activity via inhibition of the enzyme cathepsin K. An increase in osteoclast activity leads to bone degradation and consequently osteoporosis. The activity of MIV-701 is reversible (i.e. ceases when administration no longer is continued), which is a big therapeutic advantage over other treatment regimes such as the bisphosphonates which are the conventional form of treatment today.

MIV-701 is currently in phase I clinical trials (where the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the drug compound is studied in healthy volunteers). The first studies (phase Ia) are now completed and the phase Ib is underway. This study includes an arm with post-menopausal women (a population often afflicted with osteoporosis) in which the efficacy of MIV-701 on a biomarker for osteoporosis will be studied. The phase I clinical trials are expected to be completed and ready for evaluation before the end of the year, and the results will be communicated thereafter.