The Qs have it!

Interim data for key oncology drug candidate MTD201 establishes favorable clinical profile compared to reference product Novartis’ Sandostatin LAR (SLAR)

DDNews Staff
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Oxfordshire, UK—Midatech Pharma PLC, the international specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for rare diseases in oncology and immunotherapy, has announced today interim data from the first-in-human study of MTD201 Q-Octreotide. The double-blind exploratory study compared tolerability, pharmacokinetics and growth hormone profiles after 30 mg intramuscular injections of MTD201 or Novartis’ Sandostatin LAR (SLAR) in 24 healthy subjects.
 
MTD201 is an intramuscular Q-Sphera polymer microsphere formulation of octreotide that releases drug over an extended period to enable a monthly injection regimen.  Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue used clinically to manage conditions associated with excessive growth hormone secretion, and hormonal tumors.  MTD201 is being developed for the treatment of acromegaly and management of neuroendocrine cancer.
The primary objectives of this exploratory trial were to compare the sustained release profile of MTD201 to that of SLAR and to inform the design of a follow-on pivotal registration study. Results from the study indicate that MTD201 produces a safe and effective sustained-release profile of octreotide, supporting a once-monthly treatment interval, as is indicated for SLAR. Therapeutic octreotide concentrations were achieved, and growth hormone levels were suppressed in this trial by an average of 25%, comparable with SLAR. The release profile of MTD201 was consistent in all subjects and showed no measurable burst release or dose-dumping. This reflects the precision and tuning available with the Q-Sphera microsphere platform. 
 
MTD201 treatment was well-tolerated and the number of adverse events was low, similar to SLAR. Injection site reactions were generally mild and short-lived. Pain at the injection site was reported in 8% (MTD201) and 25% (SLAR) of subjects, and injection site tenderness in 8% (MTD201) and 83% (SLAR) of subjects. SLAR injections were administered using the pre-packed, larger 19G needle, while MTD201 was given via a smaller 21G needle. This is a key advantage of MTD201 and the Midatech Q-Sphera technology compared to SLAR, in addition to other important potential benefits, including a simpler and quicker reconstitution process, fewer reconstitution errors and wastage, and fewer needle blockages.

Based on these interim results, Midatech believes that MTD201 has been shown to be safe with advantageous sustained-release properties that support the continued development of a long-acting octreotide product alternative to SLAR. The favorable and improved “no-burst” and lower variability in the profile of MTD201 suggests a distinct and improved product, rather than an equivalent product, to SLAR. In preparation for a follow-on regulatory trial, Midatech will seek additional regulatory opinion on pursuing approval for MTD201 as an equivalent product or a differentiated improved product. The company will make further announcements regarding the next steps for MTD201 in due course.
 
“This study has generated several positive outcomes for Midatech.  First, for the MTD201 program, whilst one objective of the study was to determine whether MTD201 was bioequivalent to Sandostatin LAR with a potentially shorter route to market, this data suggests that we have a better product with an improved clinical profile.  Combined with the other advantages around smaller needle size, simpler and more reliable reconstitution and injection, this could lead to a more valuable product either to develop internally or license to pharmaceutical partners,” said Dr. Craig Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Midatech Pharma. 
 
“Second, this study is a major validation and inflection point for Midatech’s Q-Sphera technology establishing it as an exciting new sustained-release delivery platform, to administer pharmaceuticals safely, conveniently and effectively, without a burst phenomenon, and over a prolonged period.  After five years of development, we are delighted to have achieved positive first-in-human data.  We look forward to unlocking the full potential of our MTD201 program as well as the Q-Sphera platform, both for Midatech and for our partners looking to capture a share of the multibillion dollar sustained-release treatment opportunities.” 

DDNews Staff

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