Mediar Therapeutics and Eli Lilly ink IPF treatment licensing deal

Mediar Therapeutics has formed a strategic partnership with Eli Lilly and Company through a global licensing agreement aimed at propelling Mediar's innovative human immunoglobulin G1 antibody, MTX-463, into a Phase II clinical trial. This trial will focus on the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and often fatal lung disease. The agreement underscores a collaborative effort to advance IPF therapies, facilitating Mediar's potential to revolutionize treatment options for patients suffering from this serious condition.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mediar Therapeutics stands to gain an upfront payment and near-term milestones totaling $99 million. Additionally, the partnership could yield up to $687 million in further payments tied to developmental and commercialization achievements. Future product sales will also contribute through royalties and net sales milestones. This significant financial backing will enable Mediar to further explore and develop their therapeutic innovations.

MTX-463, Mediar's proprietary antibody, has shown promising results in a Phase I trial involving healthy volunteers. The trial found that the antibody was well-tolerated and effectively engaged the WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) at all doses tested. These results have set the stage for the forthcoming Phase II trial, which is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. This phase will evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of the therapy in participants diagnosed with IPF. Mediar will oversee the execution of this trial, ensuring that the therapeutic potential of MTX-463 is comprehensively assessed.

Following the completion of the Phase II trial, Eli Lilly is poised to assume control of the drug’s further clinical development and commercial activities. This transition will enable Eli Lilly to leverage its resources and expertise to maximize the therapeutic’s impact on the market. Rahul Ballal, CEO of Mediar Therapeutics, emphasized that this collaboration is pivotal to their strategy of developing first-in-class therapies aimed at addressing fibrotic diseases, aligning with their mission to fulfill unmet medical needs.

Beyond MTX-463, Mediar Therapeutics is also advancing two other distinct programs targeting fibrotic disorders. These initiatives highlight the company’s commitment to pioneering new solutions and expanding their therapeutic arsenal against complex fibrotic conditions.

In a separate development, Eli Lilly is expanding its global footprint in digital capabilities by establishing a new global capability center in Hyderabad, India. This facility, named the Lilly Capability Centre India (LCCI) Hyderabad, is slated to enhance the company’s digital prowess through advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, software product engineering, and cloud computing. Recruitment for this center is underway, with operations expected to commence by mid-2025. LCCI Hyderabad represents Eli Lilly’s second such initiative in India, following the launch of a similar facility in Bengaluru in 2016.

Furthermore, Eli Lilly recently achieved a significant milestone with the U.S. FDA's approval of a label expansion for Zepbound (tirzepatide) in December 2024. The expansion includes its use in treating adults with obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, reinforcing Eli Lilly’s role in addressing diverse healthcare challenges.

In summary, Mediar Therapeutics’ alliance with Eli Lilly fortifies efforts to provide advanced medical solutions for IPF and other fibrotic diseases. Through significant financial support and strategic collaboration, these initiatives are set to potentially transform patient care and therapeutic outcomes in the realm of pulmonary fibrosis and beyond.