Thursday, December 21, 2017
Millendo Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for endocrine diseases, today announced that it has acquired Alizé Pharma SAS in a stock-based transaction.
“The acquisition of Alizé Pharma SAS transforms Millendo into an innovative endocrinology company with two first-in-class, late-stage clinical assets and a presence in both the United States and Europe. With livoletide, we have acquired a promising asset that has demonstrated encouraging efficacy and tolerability in a Phase 2 clinical trial in PWS,” said Julia C. Owens, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Millendo Therapeutics. “Alizé Pharma’s research and development operations complement our existing expertise in developing novel treatments for orphan endocrine indications. Together with our on-going nevanimibe (ATR-101) program, which recently reported positive topline Phase 2 results in classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, we continue to grow our leadership in the endocrinology space by advancing these promising new therapies. We look forward to sharing more details during our presentation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference next month.”
Alizé Pharma’s lead drug candidate, livoletide (previously known as AZP-531) demonstrated positive results in reducing hyperphagia in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial in PWS in 2016. Livoletide has been granted orphan drug designation in PWS by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for orphan drug status. PWS is a rare genetic disease characterized by hyperphagia (insatiable hunger), which can lead to obesity-related complications and result in early death.
The company will operate as Millendo Therapeutics, Inc. in the United States and as Millendo Therapeutics SAS in France and Europe where it will continue to operate the former Alizé Pharma SAS facilities, maintain its capabilities and team and serve as Millendo’s European research and development base. Thierry Abribat, D.V.M., Ph.D., the founder and President of the Alizé Pharma companies, will join the Board of Directors of Millendo Therapeutics. Olivier Martinez from Bpifrance and Gilles Alberici from initiative Octalfa will be appointed as board observers.
“The commitment to developing novel treatments for patients with endocrine diseases was a key reason for this transaction and I greatly appreciate the support of the Alizé Pharma investors and team for recognizing the synergy,” said Thierry Abribat. “I look forward to working with my fellow Millendo Board members to support the company in achieving its goal of creating distinct and transformative treatments for endocrine diseases.”
