Cambridge Cluster pharmas tackle treatments for the bald, wrinkly, and overweight
In biotech circles in the Cambridge high-tech Cluster there's little talk about cosmetic drugs and treatments. Perhaps the close links with the serious business of science at the University of Cambridge shape the focus towards the worthy pursuit of finding new treatments for disease and illness.
Yet there are a few brave biotech companies that taker a broader view of improving human welfare. There are several treatments in the collective Cambridge pipeline that aren't directed at illness, but at the ego. This opens mass markets that are potentially much more lucrative than the narrower ones targeting particular illnesses, and thus tags those companies as worth watching closely by potential investors.
Treatments for the trimly challenged
Of course being obese is a real health concern. But it seems likely that any anti-obese treatment will spread to the mildly overweight in the same way that Viagra spread rapidly beyond men with serious erection problems. That would add an order of magnitude to the estimated 300 million obese people in the world.
There are two known treatments aimed at reducing calorie intake under development.
Anti-obese cetilistat is a 'lipase inhibitor' drug that works by blocking the digestion of fat, so reducing calorie intake, that is being developed by Alizyme (AZM.L), using a low cost synthetic process. The company says there is a similar drug already approved for the treatment of obesity, Roche's Xenical but it has some side effects.
Results from a Phase IIb clinical trial completed in November in 370 clinically obese patients showed that, after three months, patients dosed with cetilistat showed similar weight loss to that seen with Xenical, but up to 90% fewer severe GI side effects.
In the appropriately conservative parlance of the serious biotech sector, Alizyme's Principal Investigator Professor Peter Kopelman described the trial results as "very encouraging".
The company is now in discussions with interested parties for a licence to the global rights (excluding Japan, where it already has an arrangement), whilst continuing to complete activities in preparation for the pivotal Phase III clinical development, the step before seeking registration of a drug.
[Editor's note: Clinical trials for drugs have three main stages. Phase I tests safety in healthy people. Phase II tests dosage and takes a first look at how well it works on patients. Phase III tests efficacy more thoroughly in larger and longer trials. The further advanced a drug under trial is, the better its prospects. A drug in Phase III trial has a 50% to 70% chance of success compared to as little as 10% for one in Phase I.]
Kalahari bushman's diet recipe
Back in 1997 Phytopharm plc (PYM.L) licensed the global patent rights for the extract of a plant - called Hoodia gordonii - found in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa that Bushmen traditionally used to quell hunger. It contains a molecule that dupes the brain into believing the stomach is full. Initial research suggested it suppresses hunger so well that those taking it cut their food intake by as much as 1,000 calories a day.
Phytopharm is working with food giant Unilever on a development programme that will, if all goes to plan, cost up to £21m and produce processed food and drinks incorporating the extract. They are now moving into second stage trials.
The Cambridge-based company has declined to speculate on when products containing the extract will be on shop shelves, but a Unilever spokesman told The Guardian newspaper this week that it could be by 2008.
Hair regeneration
Intercytex (ICX.L) has some exciting products in its pipeline derived from unmodified, human cells: one treats baldness and another diminishes wrinkles. It expects both treatments to be administered in skin or hair clinics under local anaesthetic.
The ICX-TRC hair regeneration therapy using patients' own cells. A small sample of hair follicles is taken from the patient during a simple 30 minute operation and sent to Intercytex’s plant where the cells that form new hair are separated out. These are cultured and expanded in proprietary media for three weeks. Back at the clinic, the treated cells are injected under the skin on the patient’s scalp under local.
Around three months later, the first signs of new hair growth should appear.
Phase I clinical trials have been completed in seven volunteers at a UK transplant centre. No safety issues have arisen and five out of the seven patients have shown increased hair numbers. The company plans further clinical trials this year.
Wrinkles
Intercytex's facial rejuvenation product, currently in Phase I trial, boosts the skin’s collagen support matrix, improving the look of wrinkles and folds. It aims to provide a more youthful appearance, helping to combat the cosmetic effects of aging.
ICX-RHY contains, in a sterile suspension, collagen-secreting cells from an unrelated donor that are responsible for the wound-healing process. A minute amount is injected under the skin into the affected area on the face.
The company says it expects the benefit to be seen once the injected cells have begun to lay down new collagen within the dermis. This effect is expected to be sustained, providing long-term enhancement in facial appearance. It expects that repeat administrations will be given as required.
Share price performance
Of the three companies, only Alizyme's share price has been consistently strong recently, though Intercytex only listed two months ago so the market may still be forming a view. It is probably a reflection of the fact that Alizyme's cetilistat, and another of its drugs in the pipeline, is about to enter lower risk Phase III trials, while the other companies' products are not as far advanced.
Today, Alizyme is valued at £296m, Intercytex at £51.7m and Phytopharm at £22.4m
12th April 2006
