Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc has provided program updates for Fragile X syndrome (FXS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q), and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE).
In addition to the continued clinical development of its Zygel CBD gel in FXS, the company said it plans to focus on the development of Zygel in ASD and 22q.
However, the company added that based on its research and strategic prioritization, the decision has been made to not move forward in DEE at this time.
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“Committing to a Phase 3 development program for patients with autism spectrum disorder is a key step in the advancement of a new treatment option for patients who have high unmet medical needs and limited FDA approved treatment options,” said Zynerba CEO Armando Anido in a statement.
“Data from our ASD clinical development program to date are compelling and, with a clear regulatory path toward potential approval, we are excited to move forward with this program.”
Anido added: “In addition, we are making good progress towards completing enrollment in the INSPIRE trial for patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and expect to have topline results mid-year 2022. Putting resources behind a second indication beyond FXS and completing the INSPIRE trial is consistent with our mission of being a leader in rare and near-rare neuropsychiatric disorders, including FXS, ASD and 22q.”
Pipeline Updates
Zygel in FX: The company continues to expect topline results from RECONNECT, a confirmatory pivotal Phase 3 trial of Zygel in patients with FXS, in the second half of 2023.
It received written scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) providing clarity and guidance on the clinical and regulatory requirements for the submission of a marketing authorization application (MAA) in the European Union (EU) for Zygel for the treatment of behavioral symptoms associated with FXS. Based on the EMA’s scientific advice, the company said it believes that the successful completion of the current development program for Zygel in FXS will satisfy the requirements of an MAA in the EU.
Presented data at the BRAIN Foundation Synchrony 2021 Symposium describing how Zygel may provide therapeutic benefit in FXS through its effects on the endocannabinoid system. The presentation included results from the Phase 3 CONNECT-FX trial demonstrating that Zygel was superior to placebo in multiple analyses in the groups of patients.
Zygel in ASD: It plans to advance its program with two Phase 3 trials, the first of which is expected to start in the second half of 2022. The company is finalizing the Phase 3 study protocol and will submit an Investigational New Drug Application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to commencing the pivotal program.
Previous discussions with the FDA included agreement on utilizing the irritability subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist – Community (ABC-C) as the primary endpoint to support an indication for the treatment of irritability in ASD. This is the same primary endpoint utilized in the pivotal trials for the two existing FDA-approved treatments for ASD.
Zygel in 22q: The company continues to screen and enroll patients for the 14-week open-label Phase 2 INSPIRE trial, and expects topline data mid-year 2022.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, it initiated an additional clinical site in the US to assist completion of enrollment.
The company said it plans to move forward in 22q as an orphan indication pending results from the ongoing Phase 2 INSPIRE trial in children and adolescents with genetically confirmed 22q and subsequent discussion with the FDA on the regulatory path forward.
Zygel in DEE: Feedback received from the FDA indicated that selecting a specific DEE syndrome will be required for a pediatric indication in epilepsy rather than evaluating improvements in certain seizure types across all DEEs. In 2021, the company evaluated individual syndromes and conducted a feasibility study and the decision has been made to maintain focus on other important neuropsychiatric behavioral conditions and not to pursue further development in DEE at this time.
Financial outlook
As a result of the pipeline update and anticipated additional clinical studies in ASD, the company said its management now believes its $75.6 million of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2021, are sufficient to fund operations and capital requirements into the second half of 2023.
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