Mereo BioPharma Provides Update on Pipeline Progress and Corporate Developments

Rhea-AI Summary

Mereo BioPharma Group plc (MREO) expects to complete enrollment in the Phase 3 portion of the Orbit Study and Phase 3 Cosmic Study for Osteogenesis Imperfecta treatment by partner Ultragenyx by 1Q 2024 and 1H 2024, respectively. The company also signed a global licensing deal for leflutrozole and reiterated its cash runway guidance into 2026.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The announcement regarding Mereo BioPharma's pipeline progress, particularly the Phase 3 trials for setrusumab, is indicative of a significant milestone in the treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). Setrusumab, if approved, would be the first FDA and EMA-approved treatment for OI, addressing a notable unmet medical need. The reported 67% reduction in annualized fracture rate and improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) from the Phase 2 portion of the Orbit study suggest a strong therapeutic potential. Approval could lead to a new standard of care, significantly impacting Mereo's market position and financial outlook.

Furthermore, the development of alvelestat for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease (AATD-LD) and the alignment on a Phase 3 study design using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Total Score as the primary endpoint are crucial. This PRO instrument's adoption highlights a patient-centered approach in clinical trials, potentially enhancing the drug's marketability and patient acceptance. The EMA's guidance on using lung density by CT scan with a relaxed p value for approval could also expedite the regulatory process in Europe. These developments could expand the addressable market for alvelestat, especially if the inclusion criteria for the registrational study are broadened to encompass early and later stages of lung disease.

Financial Analyst

Mereo BioPharma's strategic collaboration through a global licensing deal for leflutrozole and the projected cash runway into 2026 are key financial highlights. The upfront payment and potential for future milestones and royalties from leflutrozole create additional revenue streams and reduce the financial risk associated with the drug's development and commercialization. This deal exemplifies Mereo's capability to monetize its pipeline while retaining a stake in future successes.

The robust cash position, which is expected to fund operations well into 2026, provides Mereo with a financial cushion to navigate the capital-intensive phases of clinical trials without immediate pressure to seek additional funding. This runway is particularly important given the inherent risks and uncertainties in drug development. The transition to reporting under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing requirements as a U.S. domestic filer could also influence investor perception, potentially improving access to capital markets and enhancing corporate transparency.

Market Research Analyst

The potential market impact of setrusumab and alvelestat is substantial, given the rarity and severity of the conditions they aim to treat. Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease are both areas with high unmet medical needs, which can command premium pricing and market exclusivity for effective treatments. The positive clinical trial outcomes and progress towards regulatory alignment suggest that Mereo is on track to capitalize on these niche markets.

However, the success of these drugs will depend on several factors including the final clinical trial results, regulatory approval processes, the ability to secure partnerships for development and commercialization and market acceptance. The company's proactive engagement with regulatory authorities and potential partners bodes well for navigating these challenges. The market will be closely monitoring Mereo's updates in 2024, as these will likely be critical inflection points for the company's valuation and future prospects.

Phase 3 portion of Orbit Study and Phase 3 Cosmic Study of setrusumab for treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) conducted by partner Ultragenyx expected to complete enrollment around the end of 1Q 2024 and 1H 2024, respectively; Additional Phase 2 data expected in 2024

Alignment on design for single, global Phase 3 study of alvelestat in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease (AATD-LD) following additional interactions with U.S. FDA in 2H 2023

Signs global licensing deal for development and commercialization of leflutrozole

Reiterates previous cash runway guidance; current cash expected to fund operations into 2026

LONDON, Jan. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mereo BioPharma Group plc (NASDAQ: MREO) (“Mereo” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases, today provided an update on its pipeline programs as well as an update on recent corporate developments.

“2023 was a year of tremendous progress for Mereo. Key milestones in the development of setrusumab for the treatment of OI included positive data from the Phase 2 portion of the Orbit study, and initiation of the Phase 3 portion of the Orbit study and Phase 3 Cosmic study by our partner, Ultragenyx,” said Dr. Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Mereo. “In addition, we significantly advanced the development of alvelestat, gaining valuable clarity on the regulatory path with both the FDA and EMA. If the proposed Phase 3 study is successful, it could support submissions for full regulatory approvals for this first-in-class therapy addressing a major unmet medical need in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease. These developments are expected to further support our ongoing partnering activities for alvelestat. We look forward to providing further updates on both setrusumab and alvelestat during the remainder of the year. With a cash runway into 2026 and several potential important value inflection points on the horizon in 2024, we believe that Mereo remains well positioned for long-term growth and success.”

Recent Pipeline Progress

Setrusumab (UX143)

Enrollment in the Phase 3 portion of the Global Phase 2/3 Orbit study led by Mereo’s partner, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: RARE), was initiated in mid-2023 and the study is expected to be fully enrolled around the end of the first quarter of 2024. The pivotal Phase 3 portion of the Orbit study will include up to 195 patients aged 5 to <26 years randomized 2:1 to receive setrusumab or placebo, with a primary efficacy endpoint of annualized clinical fracture rate excluding fingers, toes, skull and face. Additionally, Cosmic, a Global Phase 3 open-label, randomized, active-controlled study in approximately 65 patients aged 2 to <7 years evaluating setrusumab compared to intravenous bisphosphonates on reduction in total fracture rate, including morphometric vertebral fractures, was initiated in the second half of 2023 and is anticipated to be fully enrolled in the first half of 2024.

Recent data reported in October 2023, from the 24 patients enrolled in the Phase 2 portion of the Orbit study with at least 6 months of treatment, showed that treatment with setrusumab reduced the annualized fracture rate by 67%. This reduction was associated with continuing large and meaningful improvements in bone mineral density (BMD). Setrusumab was well tolerated with no drug related serious adverse events (SAE’s) reported and no reports of drug-related hypersensitivity. Additional data from the Phase 2 portion of the Orbit study are expected during 2024.

If approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), setrusumab would be the first FDA and EMA-approved treatment for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

The Company has received guidance from the EMA and European Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies on its approach to the design and delivery of a post-Marketing Authorization Evidence Generation Plan (“SATURN”) and continues to interact with key decision-makers at European and national levels in Mereo’s commercial territory to prepare the markets should setrusumab receive regulatory approval.

Alvelestat (MPH-966)

The Company has continued its interactions with the Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care (DPACC) and the Division of Clinical Outcome Assessment (DCOA) of the FDA regarding the use of a Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) instrument as a potential primary endpoint in its planned Phase 3 study of alvelestat for the treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease (AATD-LD). These interactions followed an End-of-Phase 2 meeting for the Company’s ASTRAEUS study in the first quarter of 2023, at which the FDA and the Company discussed the potential use of the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Total Score and/or SGRQ Activity domain as the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 study which, if successful, could support submissions for full approval in the U.S.

In the third quarter of 2023, the Company held an additional meeting with the FDA (DPACC and the DCOA) and analyzed additional data from the investigator-led Phase 2 ATALANTa study, which was funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-Industry Program for discovering new therapeutic uses for existing molecules, and led by Professor Mark Dransfield from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Data from both the ATALANTa and ASTRAEUS studies support the use of the SGRQ Total Score as the primary endpoint in the proposed Phase 3 study based on benefits observed in patients with the severe Pi*ZZ phenotype, including those who are in the early stages of the lung disease. In some countries, these patients are currently not eligible for, or not treated with, augmentation therapy. Following additional FDA interactions in the fourth quarter of 2023, subsequent to the DCOA meeting, the Company has aligned on a Phase 3 study design using SGRQ Total Score as the primary endpoint with a functional assessment as a key secondary endpoint which, if the study is successful, is expected to support submissions for full regulatory approval in the U.S. Inclusion of patients with earlier and later stage lung disease progression in the planned registrational study could increase the addressable patient population for alvelestat.

In Europe, the Company has received guidance from the EMA on the primary endpoint for its Phase 3 clinical trial of alvelestat for the treatment of AATD-LD. The EMA has indicated that lung density by computed tomography (CT) scan with a relaxed p value (p<0.1) may be sufficient for full regulatory approval if the study is successful.

The Company remains engaged with multiple potential partners for the development and potential commercialization of alvelestat and expects to provide further details on these efforts in 2024.

Leflutrozole

The Company recently entered into an exclusive global license agreement with ReproNovo SA (the “License Agreement”) for the development and commercialization of leflutrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Under the terms of the License Agreement, ReproNovo, a reproductive medicine company, is responsible for all future development and commercialization of leflutrozole. Mereo received an upfront payment and will be eligible to receive up to $64.25 million in future clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones as well as tiered mid-single digit royalties on global annual net sales of leflutrozole.

Cash Runway Guidance and Financial Reporting Update

The Company continues to expect its existing cash and short-term deposits, excluding income from existing or potential partnerships, will enable funding of its currently committed clinical trials, operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Company began complying with and reporting under the SEC rules and Nasdaq listing requirements applicable to U.S. domestic filers.

About Mereo BioPharma

Mereo BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for rare diseases. The Company has two rare disease product candidates, setrusumab for the treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and alvelestat primarily for the treatment of severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease (AATD-LD). The Company’s partner, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., initiated a pivotal Phase 2/3 pediatric study in young adults (5 to <26 years old) for setrusumab in OI and a Phase 3 study in pediatric patients (2 to <7 years old) in mid-2023. The partnership with Ultragenyx includes potential milestone payments of up to $245 million (following the recent $9 million milestone) and royalties to Mereo on commercial sales in Ultragenyx territories. Mereo has retained EU and UK commercial rights and will pay Ultragenyx royalties on commercial sales in those territories. Setrusumab has received orphan designation for OI from the EMA and FDA, PRIME designation from the EMA and has pediatric disease designation from the FDA. Alvelestat has received U.S. Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of AATD, Fast Track designation from the FDA, and two Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies have been completed in North America and Europe. In addition to the rare disease programs, Mereo has two oncology product candidates in clinical development. Etigilimab (anti-TIGIT) has completed a Phase 1b/2 basket study evaluating its safety and efficacy in combination with an anti-PD-1 in a range of tumor types including three rare tumors and three gynecological carcinomas - cervical, ovarian, and endometrial and is in an ongoing Phase 1b/2 investigator led study at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in clear cell ovarian cancer; navicixizumab, for the treatment of late line ovarian cancer, has completed a Phase 1 study and has been partnered with OncXerna Therapeutics, Inc. in a global licensing agreement that includes payments of up to $300 million in milestones and royalties. Mereo has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with ReproNovo SA for the development and commercialization of leflutrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Under the terms of the agreement, ReproNovo, a reproductive medicine company, is responsible for all future development and commercialization of leflutrozole.

For more information on Mereo BioPharma, please visit www.mereobiopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements usually relate to future events and anticipated revenues, earnings, cash flows or other aspects of our operations or operating results. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “may,” “estimate,” “outlook” and similar expressions, including the negative thereof. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future developments and business conditions and their potential effect on the Company. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it anticipates.

All of the Company’s forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties some of which are significant or beyond its control and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and its present expectations or projections. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the clinical development process; the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct and provide funding for its clinical trials; the Company’s dependence on enrollment of patients in its clinical trials; and the Company’s dependence on its key executives. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of its latest Annual Report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company wishes to caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

Mereo BioPharma Contacts:
Mereo		+44 (0)333 023 7300
Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer
Christine Fox, Chief Financial Officer
Burns McClellan (Investor Relations Adviser to Mereo)		+01 646 930 4406
Lee Roth
Investors		investors@mereobiopharma.com

FAQ

When is Mereo BioPharma Group plc expected to complete enrollment in the Phase 3 portion of the Orbit Study and Phase 3 Cosmic Study?

Mereo BioPharma Group plc expects to complete enrollment around the end of 1Q 2024 and 1H 2024, respectively.

What is the ticker symbol for Mereo BioPharma Group plc?

The ticker symbol for Mereo BioPharma Group plc is MREO.

What is the recent pipeline progress for Setrusumab (UX143) by Mereo BioPharma Group plc?

The recent pipeline progress includes the initiation of the Phase 3 portion of the Global Phase 2/3 Orbit study, with expected full enrollment around the end of 1Q 2024, and the initiation of the Cosmic study in the second half of 2023.

What is the recent pipeline progress for Alvelestat (MPH-966) by Mereo BioPharma Group plc?

The recent pipeline progress includes continued interactions with the FDA regarding the use of a Patient Reported Outcome instrument as a potential primary endpoint in its planned Phase 3 study for the treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-associated Lung Disease.

What is the recent corporate development for Mereo BioPharma Group plc?

The recent corporate development includes a global licensing deal for the development and commercialization of leflutrozole and the company's cash runway guidance into 2026.