Ipsen S.A. announced the initiation of dosing in two phase II clinical studies to evaluate efficacy and safety of BIM 23A760 in two groups of patients, one suffering from carcinoid syndrome due to neuroendocrine tumors, the other from acromegaly, BIM 23A760 has been designed and developed by company's research team using its validated peptide engineering platform. This first-in-class innovative chimeric compound bears within a single molecule two pharmacological moieties, i.e. a somatostatin analog and a dopamine agonist which act synergistically following activation of those receptors in disorders such as acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. The design of BIM 23A760 is based on a novel concept in molecular biology regarding the amplification of intracellular signalling when engaging simultaneously two receptors with their respective ligands. The molecule targets two patho-physiological pathways among the most commonly associated with pituitary tumors: Growth hormone and prolactin. Aside from the symptomatic treatment of acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome due to neuroendocrine tumors, BIM 23A760 might potentially also reduce the tumor size, thereby eliminating some of the shortcomings of the treatments currently available. Ipsen is currently studying this molecule whose spectrum of activity is wider than that of currently marketed somatostatin analogues. The clinical trial is a phase II open, randomized, parallel group, non comparative multicenter study to assess the efficacy and safety of repeated subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of different doses of BIM 23A760 on growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in patients with acromegaly after 6 months of treatment. This clinical trial follows phase I and IIa trials. In the phase I, BIM 23A760 administration in healthy volunteers potently suppressed prolactin levels and statistically significant reductions in IGF-1 levels were observed. In the phase IIa study, the exposure to BIM 23A760 in acromegalic patients, exhibited a 66--74% mean maximum reduction in growth hormone (GH) levels. A dose dependent tendency for a more pronounced and longer GH inhibition was also observed. Additionally, a reduction in IGF-1 levels was seen in both dosage (1 mg and 4 mg). BIM 23A760 was well tolerated at both dosages.

Ipsen S.A. and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals announced that they have concluded a license agreement for Ipsen's proprietary peptide therapeutics targeting obesity, metabolic diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, Ipsen has granted Rhythm an exclusive worldwide license for research, development, and commercialization of its melanocortin and ghrelin programs originating from Ipsen research. The license granted to Rhythm includes Ipsen's compounds and intellectual property related to analogs of the peptide hormones, ghrelin and MSH, which regulate food intake, energy homeostasis, and gastrointestinal function.

Ipsen and Menarini announced the launch of ADENURIC(R) (febuxostat) in France where they will co-promote the drug. Other launches by Menarini are planned shortly notably in United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland. The launch of ADENURIC(R) will provide patients and physicians with a new treatment alternative in a condition with high unmet medical needs. It also strengthens Ipsen's primary care franchise in France. ADENURIC(R) (febuxostat), an oral, once-daily medication, is a novel non-purine, selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase studied for its effects on lowering levels of serum uric acid (sUA) in patients with gout. ADENURIC(R) received marketing authorization in the European Union on April 21, 2008. Its 80 mg and 120 mg tablets are indicated for the treatment of chronic hyperuricemia in conditions where urate deposition has already occurred (including a history, or presence of, tophus and/or gouty arthritis). Additionally, ADENURIC(R) can be prescribed without dose adjustment to patients suffering from mild to moderate renal impairment and might be an alternative option for patients that are intolerant to allopurinol. Treatment with febuxostat in patients with ischaemic heart disease or congestive heart failure is not recommended.