Lundbeck initiates trial into Friedreich’s ataxia treatment

Lundbeck has announced the initiation of a trial into its Lu AA24493 drug for Friedreich’s ataxia, which will explore the tolerability and safety of the product.

The treatment, which is a novel carbamoylated form of human erythropoietin, results in loss of haematopoietic effects but maintains the tissue protective effect.

These, in turn, equate to very positive outcomes in a number of animal models for neuronal damage, the firm highlights.

Executive vice-president and head of drug development at Lundbeck Anders Gersel Pedersen stated: “This project in Friedreich’s ataxia represents Lundbeck’s focus to discover and develop innovative compounds that address unmet needs for patients.”

He added that Lu AA24493 is an example of compounds with the “great potential” to tackle a “small but very severe disease”.

In other Lundbeck news, the firm announced the appointment of its new vice-president last month.

Bo Hilligsoe, who has been with the company for 11 years, is now in charge of Lundbeck’s combined finished goods production in Copenhagen, as well as operations at its new factory in France.