LEO Pharma has acquired dersimelagon, an investigational oral therapy for people with erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria, expanding the company’s late-stage pipeline in dermatology.
Dersimelagon is a selective melanocortin 1 receptor agonist designed to increase eumelanin production. Eumelanin is a pigment that can help protect skin from light exposure. The therapy is being developed for people with erythropoietic protoporphyria, or EPP, and X-linked protoporphyria, or XLP, rare genetic disorders that cause severe phototoxic reactions after exposure to sunlight or certain forms of artificial light.
People living with EPP or XLP may experience severe pain, burning and skin reactions following light exposure. The conditions can limit daily activities and affect quality of life.
LEO Pharma said dersimelagon is currently being evaluated in the Phase 3 AURORA trial, which is enrolling people with EPP and XLP. The study is assessing the safety and efficacy of the once-daily oral treatment, including its potential to improve tolerance to light exposure and reduce phototoxic symptoms.
The acquisition strengthens LEO Pharma’s strategy of building a dermatology-focused portfolio across medical dermatology and rare skin conditions. The company said the program adds a late-stage candidate with the potential to address an area of high unmet need.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. LEO Pharma said it will assume responsibility for the program’s continuing development and potential future commercialization.
Dersimelagon had previously been developed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. LEO Pharma said the transaction gives it access to clinical data and development expertise associated with the asset as it advances through the Phase 3 program.
The company did not provide a timetable for Phase 3 results, regulatory submissions or potential market availability. Approval will depend on the outcome of the ongoing trial and review by health authorities.
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