Biotech Values

[biotech jim]

Re MNLO

I always thought this would be a crapshoot. As many here know, the NK1 Receptor antagonist aprepitant (Emend) from MRK has been approved for use in chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. MRK bought out Schering Plough, and Menlo bought the serlopitant asset. MNLO went public late in 2017, and the stock price has responded well.

NK1 antagonists did not display significant efficacy in some sensory nerve fiber-related pain indications, and itch signals are carried by these same C and A delta fibers. There was a chance for success, but not a great chance in my view due to my understanding of the past history and working in the area of sensory neuron biology.

Maybe the Cara Therapeutics pruritis programs will see more recognition now. CARA should move on this news. CARA has both oral and IV versions of their peripherally restricted kappa opioid agonist in later stage trials for chronic, debilitating itch indications. "The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conditionally accepted KORSUVA™ as the trade name for difelikefalin injection. CR845/difelikefalin is an investigational drug product and its safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority."