Astria Therapeutics Selects YpsoMate for STAR-0215 Hereditary Angioedema Treatment

Astria Therapeutics, Inc., a company specializing in biopharmaceuticals aimed at treating allergic and immunological conditions, has announced a strategic partnership with Ypsomed for the development of an autoinjector for its lead therapy, STAR-0215. The company's mission is to provide transformative treatments for individuals and families dealing with these diseases.

John Ruesch, Astria's Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technical Operations, emphasized the goal of creating a treatment regimen that offers flexibility and minimal disruption to patients' lives. STAR-0215 aims to provide a treatment option that can be administered infrequently, with potential dosing intervals of three to six months. The collaboration with Ypsomed, known for its expertise in injection systems, is intended to advance the development of an autoinjector that aligns with this goal. The autoinjector is expected to offer ease of use and needle protection, making the administration process more patient-friendly.

Assuming successful regulatory approval, Astria plans to introduce STAR-0215 to the market with both the Ypsomed YpsoMate autoinjector and a pre-filled syringe. This dual option is designed to provide patients with the choice of how to administer their treatment, catering to their individual needs and lifestyles. The autoinjector, in particular, is considered suitable for STAR-0215 due to its user-friendly design, needle shielding feature, and the medication’s formulation that supports a quick and relatively painless injection process.

Astria's lead program, STAR-0215, is currently in clinical development for treating hereditary angioedema (HAE). STAR-0215 is a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, which plays a crucial role in the management of HAE. Additionally, Astria is working on a second program, STAR-0310, an OX40 antagonist monoclonal antibody in preclinical development aimed at treating atopic dermatitis.

Ypsomed's YpsoMate is a straightforward, two-step autoinjector. To use it, patients simply remove the cap and press the device against their skin. Visual and audible signals help users know when the injection starts and ends. The autoinjector also features a safety mechanism that covers the needle before and after the injection, preventing needle-stick injuries and ensuring that patients do not see the needle.

Ypsomed is a leading developer and manufacturer of self-medication systems and has a significant focus on diabetes care. The company, which will soon celebrate its 40th anniversary, has established itself as a preferred partner for pharmaceutical and biotech firms, providing pens, autoinjectors, and pump systems for liquid medications. Ypsomed markets its products under the mylife Diabetescare brand directly to patients, pharmacies, and hospitals, as well as under Ypsomed Delivery Systems for business-to-business operations. Headquartered in Burgdorf, Switzerland, Ypsomed operates a global network of production facilities, subsidiaries, and distribution partners, employing around 2,500 people worldwide.

In summary, Astria Therapeutics' collaboration with Ypsomed represents a significant step towards providing a more convenient and flexible treatment option for HAE patients. By leveraging Ypsomed's expertise in injection systems, Astria aims to enhance the patient experience and reduce the treatment burden, potentially transforming the management of allergic and immunological diseases.