Pharmaprojects R&D Pipeline News Feed
Neose Technologies discontinues NE-180
6 Feb 2008
Pennsylvania-based Neose Technologies announced that it has discontinued development of NE-180, a formulation of pegylated erythropoietin for the treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal disease and cancer chemotherapy. The decision to discontinue NE-180 is based on an evaluation of commercial prospects and collaboration opportunities in the light of recent safety concerns with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs).
NE-180 was undergoing Phase II trials in patients with chronic renal failure, and in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Previous Phase I studies had shown NE-180 to be safe and well-tolerated.
Neose planned to develop NE-180 to Phase II, before seeking a partner in order to fund Phase III trials. President and CEO of Neose, George J. Vergis, stated that recent safety concerns "made it unlikely that a collaborative relationship could be formed for the future development of NE-180 in a reasonable time frame".
The decision will allow Neose to cut spending by up to US $80 million over the next two years, focusing on development of its remaining pipeline candidates.
