MP-101 · a novel drug for prevention and treatment peripheral neuropathy symptoms

There will be over 18m new cases of cancer worldwide in 20181, out of which about 3,7m in Europe alone. Studies estimate that up to 40% of all cancer patients develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy (CIPN), meaning over 1,6m patients in EU and 7,2m world-wide may experience CIPN each year. This group is only growing in number, due to the constant growth in new cases of diagnosed cancer. The new immuno-oncology drugs are increasingly being used in combination with chemotherapy. CIPN is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to long-lasting, painful, and difficult-to-treat symptoms in the central nervous system, lowering the patient’s life quality and impeding patient’s normal activities. In fact, the CIPN induced pain is so strong and troublesome that many patients stop their cancer chemotherapy treatment prematurely. Regardless of the big and increasing number of people suffering from CIPN, only moderately effective therapies are available for the treatment, none specifically developed for CIPN, with substantial risks and unpleasant side effects for patients. Metys Pharmaceuticals is developing MP-101 - a novel, non-sedating, painkiller for prevention and for treatment of CIPN-associated neuropathic pain. Chemotherapeutic agents damage peripheral nerve endings, causing excessive signaling and sensitization which involves the eurotransmitter glutamate: this leads to prolonged excitation of the central nerves of the spine and brain. MP-101 acts as glutamate modulator, diminishing the strength of glutamate stimulation, or, if given early enough, preventing glutamate-dependent sensitization. During the phase 1 project, a go-to-market strategy and a supply chain will be established, as well as further development plan will be drafted. The innovation project will focus on scaling up the production by 50x, performing phase 2 clinical trials, before submitting results to gain regulatory approval for sales across Europe.