Biohaven Provides Update On Phase 3 Trial And Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. (NYSE: BHVN) announced that its investigational drug, verdiperstat, failed to demonstrate efficacy in treating multiple system atrophy (MSA), lacking statistical significance against placebo on primary and secondary measures. Safety data were consistent with earlier trials. The company remains committed to addressing neurodegenerative diseases despite this setback, with ongoing trials for verdiperstat in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) expected to complete enrollment by Q4 2021. Full study results will be shared at a scientific meeting.

Positive

• Biohaven is advancing research on verdiperstat despite its ineffectiveness for MSA.
• Ongoing trials for verdiperstat in ALS may yield promising results.

Negative

• Verdiperstat did not show statistically significant efficacy against placebo for MSA.
• The lack of effective treatment options for MSA remains a challenge.

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. (NYSE: BHVN) today announced results from a focused analysis of a clinical trial of verdiperstat in multiple system atrophy (MSA).  Verdiperstat did not statistically differentiate from placebo on the prespecified primary efficacy measure, nor on the key secondary efficacy measures. Initial analysis of safety data was consistent with the overall profile of verdiperstat from prior clinical trial experience. Additional analyses are still pending, and full study results will be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting.

Irfan Qureshi, M.D., Vice President of Neurology at Biohaven commented, "While we are disappointed that verdiperstat did not demonstrate efficacy for the treatment of MSA, Biohaven remains committed to fighting on behalf of people living with neurodegenerative diseases. There are currently no approved disease modifying therapies for MSA and we must continue to advance the science to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from this disease. We are extremely grateful to the international MSA community – especially the patients and their families, investigators and their teams, and patient advocacy groups – who made the trial possible."

Verdiperstat is an investigational first-in-class, potent, selective, brain-penetrant, and irreversible myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme inhibitor that Biohaven is developing for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Verdiperstat may help preserve neurons through inhibition of MPO-induced pathological oxidative stress and further inflammation that contribute to cellular injury in neurodegenerative disease.

Although the mechanism of action for verdiperstat, myeloperoxidase inhibition, was shown not to be effective for MSA, the rationale of targeting brain inflammation remains strong in other disease states.  An ongoing clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of verdiperstat in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being conducted in collaboration with the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital and is expected to complete enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2021.

About MSA
MSA is a rare, rapidly progressive, severely debilitating, and fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to death within a median of 6-10 years after the onset of symptoms. Manifestations of MSA can include urinary and sexual dysfunction, dizziness and fainting due to low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), and motor impairments such as tremor, rigidity, unsteady gait, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. The most common causes of death in MSA are infection and cardiopulmonary complications. Currently, patients receive only symptomatic and palliative therapies as there are no disease-modifying treatments and no cure for MSA. 

About Biohaven
Biohaven is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of innovative, best-in-class therapies to improve the lives of patients with debilitating neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, including rare disorders. Biohaven's neuroinnovation portfolio includes FDA-approved NURTEC ODT (rimegepant) for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine and a broad pipeline of late-stage product candidates across three distinct mechanistic platforms: CGRP receptor antagonism for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine; glutamate modulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and spinocerebellar ataxia; and MPO inhibition for neurodegenerative disease, including ALS. More information about Biohaven is available at www.biohavenpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management. The use of certain words, including the "expect" and "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve the plans and objectives disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, including uncertainties relating to the future clinical success of verdiperstat. Additional important factors to be considered in connection with forward-looking statements are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2021, and in Biohaven's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and Biohaven does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Biohaven Contact:
Vlad Coric, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Vlad.Coric@biohavenpharma.com

Media Contact:
Mike Beyer
Sam Brown Inc.
mikebeyer@sambrown.com
312-961-2502 

 

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SOURCE Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.

FAQ

What were the results of the Biohaven trial for verdiperstat in MSA?

The trial results showed that verdiperstat did not statistically differentiate from placebo on primary and secondary efficacy measures.

What is the next step for Biohaven after the MSA trial results?

Biohaven will present full study results at an upcoming scientific meeting and continues trials for ALS.

When is the ALS trial for verdiperstat expected to complete enrollment?

The ALS trial is anticipated to complete enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2021.

What is the significance of the findings for investors in BHVN?

The trial outcome may impact investor confidence, as the company is seeking effective therapies in a challenging market.

What is MSA and why is it important for Biohaven?

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with no approved disease-modifying treatments, making research in this area critical for patient outcomes.