Dermatology and Wound Healing
Pergamum is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing state-of-the-art products, based on therapeutic peptides, for local application for treatment of wounds and infections.
The current development pipeline includes three therapeutic peptides that are aimed at five different initial indications. Two programs are targeting skin infections in atopic dermatitis and external otitis (outer ear infection). Two other programs are aimed at prevention of post-surgical adhesions following flexor tendon repair surgery and broader orthopedic surgery procedures as an extension indication. Yet another program is based on a new therapeutic approach to promote healing of chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcers.
Pergamum estimates its products to have a combined peak sales potential of more than EUR 1 bn. In the completed Phase IIa for DPK-060 in skin infections (atopic dermatitis), the primary endpoint was successfully met. A Phase II study for DPK-060 in external otitis started in January 2012, and a Phase II study with PXL-01 for the prevention of post-surgical adhesions following flexor tendon repair surgery is also ongoing.
Technology Platform
The common theme of therapeutic peptides for local application enables Pergamum to make use of synergies. The development programs benefit from international expertise at corporate level, cost efficiency by sharing resources, and a cross-functional knowledge base.
The peptides in development are structurally derived from human molecules and optimized in terms of their biopharmaceutical properties. All of the peptides have multifunctional properties. These include modulation of inflammation and other immune functions, fibrinolysis and wound healing. All of the peptides exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, offering beneficial effects in both infection diseases and wound healing.
These anti-infective agents are unique in that they seem to avoid antimicrobial resistance. This is due to their particular mechanism of targeting microorganisms – binding to microbial membranes in an unspecific way using the intrinsic properties of the membranes.
The peptides in development have a broad spectrum of bactericidal (gram(+) and gram(-)) and fungicidal activity. Their targeting mechanism clearly distinguishes them from classical antibiotics, which are associated with increasing resistance development limiting their use in medical care.
The peptides are intended for local application, and thus the risk for systemic adverse events is low.
Partnering
Pergamum’s strategy is to initiate partnering discussions for development programs once they have achieved clinical proof-of-concept in a Phase II study. Targeted partners are mid- to large pharmaceutical companies. Pergamum also evaluates other strategic partnering opportunities as they occur, and welcomes interest from potential partners in any ongoing project.
Investments
Laurantis Pharma Oy
Pergamum holds a minority position in Laurantis Pharma Oy. The development program, together with its underlying technology platform within Pergamum's area of focus, is based on a newly characterized entity capable of modulating intracellular pH-levels. The products in development target substantial therapeutic markets.
| Contact Pergamum AB: Jonas Ekblom, CEO | +46 8 524 89 101| jonas.ekblom@pergamum.com | www.pergamum.com |