Insmed Inc (INSM)

[wjlknew]

"This is the one indication with the most research data via IGF-1. Phase III completed, waiting for results. IGF-1 given at doseage 0.05-0.10 which is half what Iplex has shown in numerous other trials to be safe. I still maintain ALS changed the landscape for Insmed and could have been a driving factor in Insmed giving up short stature and making the deal."

Rod,

More and more it is looking as if you are right. The Phase III trial to which you refer is being conducted by the Mayo Clinic. It follows two previous trials (the first in 1997 in the U.S. which showed efficacy, and the second in 1998 in Germany which did not). The drug being tested is Myotrophin (IGF-1) from Cephalon. However, Cephalon is not sponsoring the trial, and apparently gave up on Myotrophin for ALS.

Since Insmed and Cephalon have "partnered" for the ALS trial in Italy, I am curious if Cephalon has a renewed interested in ALS using IPLEX instead of Myotrophin. Several things point in that direction, not the least of which is the ALS indication being effectively left out of the DNA/TRCA/INSM settlement. Several questions remain, but this may get interesting.