-Proprietary Nanobody Platform Technology Poised for Success-
-Report Cites ALX-0081/ALX-0681 Nanobody Market Potential Greater Than $200 Million/Year-
Report is Available for Download at: www.lifesciadvisors.com/clients/ablynx
We are initiating coverage of Ablynx NV (Euronext: ABLX), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of a novel class of protein-based therapeutics called Nanobodies®. The Company is conducting several clinical trials of Nanobody products to treat various disorders. Ablynx also maintains multiple development partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, which strengthens the sustainability of the business and the Company’s cash generation potential.
Ablynx Strategy Overview. Nanobodies are a novel class of therapeutic proteins based on single-domain antibody fragments. The Company has established a series of collaborations with large pharmaceutical partners which provide non-dilutive funding for the ongoing development of Nanobody therapeutics. Ablynx has received more than $208 million (€160 million) to date and selected 18 Nanobody candidates with Merck Serono, Novartis, and Boehringer Ingelheim. In March 2012, Ablynx announced that the research funding stage of the strategic alliance with BI has been extended through September of 2014. Phase I testing is expected to begin in 2012 for a Novartis-partnered Nanobody program and the Alzheimer’s program with Boehringer Ingelheim. Ablynx is partnering with large pharmaceutical partners to develop Nanobodies targeting both blockbuster and niche applications. The Company has used the proceeds of these collaborations to fund clinical programs in indications such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
ALX-0081/ALX-0681 is in Phase II Testing for TTP. Ablynx is developing its anti-von Willebrand Factor Nanobody for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). There are no drugs currently approved for treating TTP; the standard of care is plasma exchange (PE). The proposed treatment is a combination of an intravenous (ALX-0081) and subcutaneous (ALX-0681) dosing of the therapeutic Nanobody targeting vWF. The Company is currently testing ALX-0081/ALX-0681 in an international Phase II clinical trial. TTP is a rare blood-clotting disease in which clots form in a patient’s blood vessels, causing damage to red blood cells and eventually to the heart, brain and kidneys. The anti-vWF Nanobody treatment for TTP received an Orphan Drug designation from the FDA and EMA in May 2009, providing a period of market exclusivity upon approval.
