EULAR 2024: Single MM-II Injection Shows Lasting Pain Relief in Knee Osteoarthritis Phase 2b Trial

A recent study has shown that a single intra-articular injection of 3mL of MM-II can provide significant pain relief for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) for up to 26 weeks. This data, presented at EULAR 2024, comes from a Phase 2b clinical study conducted by Sun Pharma and Israel-based Moebius Medical Limited. The research indicated that from weeks 12 to 26, a higher percentage of patients treated with MM-II experienced a 50% or greater reduction in knee OA pain compared to those given a placebo, and they also needed less rescue medication.

Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical have been jointly developing MM-II, a novel non-opioid treatment aimed at reducing joint pain by minimizing friction and wear within the knee joint. This product consists of a suspension of large, empty, multilamellar liposomes. The promising results from the clinical trial have prompted the companies to plan a Phase 3 clinical program and seek CE Mark approval for the product in the European Union.

Abhay Gandhi, CEO of Sun Pharma's North America Business, emphasized the significant need for new OA therapies, with over 100 million people currently suffering from joint pain. Gandhi stated that the trial's results further confirm MM-II's potential role in improving OA treatment outcomes. Moshe Weinstein, CEO of Moebius Medical, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about MM-II as a safe and effective alternative to existing OA treatments.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease marked by the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage, causing pain and restricted movement in affected joints, particularly the knees. OA is notoriously difficult to treat due to the inability of joint cartilage to self-repair, and there is currently no cure. The primary focus of existing OA therapies is to alleviate pain and enhance joint function. Globally, more than 100 million people are affected by OA, with over 30 million Americans suffering from symptomatic OA, making it a leading cause of work disability and reduced quality of life.

Moebius Medical, established in 2008, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing innovative pain relief treatments for osteoarthritis. The company was founded within the RAD Biomed Accelerator and leverages patented technology from Yissum, the Hebrew University Technology Transfer Company, as well as T3, the Technology Transfer arm of the Technion Institute, and Hadasit, the Technology Transfer company of Hadassah Medical Center. In 2016, Moebius partnered with Sun Pharma to further develop MM-II.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a global leader in specialty generics, with a significant presence in Generics, Specialty, and Consumer Healthcare products. As the largest pharmaceutical company in India and a key player in the US and Global Emerging Markets, Sun Pharma's portfolio includes innovative products in dermatology, ophthalmology, and onco-dermatology. Their vertically integrated operations ensure the delivery of high-quality medicines trusted by healthcare professionals and consumers in over 100 countries.

The study's findings highlight the potential of MM-II to offer durable and meaningful pain relief for patients with knee OA, providing a new therapeutic option in a field where effective treatments are urgently needed. Both companies are committed to advancing the development of MM-II and addressing the unmet needs of patients suffering from this debilitating condition.