Ipsen and Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals commence new OBI-1 study

Ipsen and Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals have commenced a new clinical trial of their new haemophilia drug OBI-1.

Inspiration has initiated the treatment of the first patient in the second of two pivotal studies from the Accur8 study programme, triggering the subscription by Ipsen to a newly issued $25 million (16.05 million pounds) convertible note.

The new trial will evaluate the intravenous recombinant porcine factor VIII product for the treatment of patients affected by congenital haemophilia A with inhibitors.

Marc de Garidel, chairman and chief executive officer of Ipsen, said this patient group currently has limited therapy options available to them, with the new trial representing an important development for the company's haemophilia franchise.

"The advancement of OBI-1 clinical program paves the way towards potential major improvements in the therapeutic armamentarium within the coming years," he said.

Last month, the company announced a new alliance with Syntaxin, focusing on the development of botulinum toxin therapeutics.