Spotlight on P2X3 Antagonists

Merck and Bellus Health are competing to introduce the new first-in-class treatment for sensory-related diseases/disorders.

 

At a recent R&D update, Merck discussed, along with its leading novel drugs Keytruda, Lynparza and Lenvima, a new small molecule program in sensory pathology. The candidate of particular interest is MK-7264 (gefapixant), a P2X3 antagonist. Blocking this receptor, which is highly localized on afferent neurons, can address sensory related-conditions including paint, itch and even hypertension and urinary urgency. The company’s P2X3 platform was obtained via the acquisition of Afferent Pharma in 2016. Merck plans to initially develop a treatment for chronic cough, then move into endometrial-related pain, sleep apnea and other sensory-related functions.

 

It has some competition, however. The small Canada-based biotech firm Bellus Health is developing BLU-5937, which some analysts believe could be the best-in-class P2X3 antagonist.

 

Merck is in the lead right now, with a phase III clinical trial in chronic cough already underway. Bellus will be initiating a phase II study in chronic cough later in 2019, with top-line results expected in mid-2020. Bellus notes that, while Merck is further down the clinical path, it has also found that 80% of patients on gefapixant report taste alteration or loss of taste, which could impact its use. Bellus’ BLU-5937 is more selective and should not have this side effect.

 

Other companies developing P2X3 blockers include Bayer and Shionogi.

 

Nice Insight

Nice Insight, established in 2010, is the research division of That’s Nice, A Science Agency, providing data and analysis from proprietary annual surveys, custom primary qualitative and quantitative research as well as extensive secondary research. Current annual surveys include The Nice Insight Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO/CMO), Survey The Nice Insight Contract Research - Preclinical and Clinical (CRO) Survey, The Nice Insight Pharmaceutical Equipment Survey, and The Nice Insight Pharmaceutical Excipients Survey.

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