Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical Publish Phase 2b Trial Results and Mechanism of Action for MM-II in Osteoarthritis

Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical Limited have announced the publication of two significant articles in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, which is affiliated with the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). These publications underscore the potential of MM-II, a new non-opioid treatment designed to alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

MM-II utilizes a proprietary formulation of large, empty, multilamellar liposomes intended to minimize joint friction and wear, providing symptomatic relief from pain. The two articles offer a comprehensive understanding of MM-II's clinical efficacy and its mechanism of action, highlighting its promising therapeutic benefits.

The first article details the outcomes of a Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 397 participants across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Results from this study reveal that a single MM-II injection delivers significant pain relief over a 26-week period, maintaining a positive safety and tolerability profile.

The second article explores MM-II's unique mechanism, where the treatment creates a lubricative layer on cartilage surfaces to reduce friction and slow degeneration. This mechanism is thought to contribute to the substantial pain relief observed in the clinical trial, though other factors might also play a role in the long-term benefits.

Prof. Thomas J Schnitzer, a leading rheumatologist and professor at Northwestern University, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that MM-II presents a valuable alternative to current treatments like hyaluronic acid and steroid injections, especially given the limited options and concerns regarding opioid use.

Moshe Weinstein, CEO of Moebius Medical, highlighted that the publication of both clinical data and underlying mechanisms in a leading journal further validates their innovative approach to treating osteoarthritis.

In conjunction with these publications, new data on MM-II will be presented at the OARSI 2025 World Congress on Osteoarthritis. This event will include three abstracts and a satellite symposium discussing MM-II's mechanism of action, clinical results, and future Phase 3 program plans.

Osteoarthritis remains a prevalent chronic condition, significantly impacting adults worldwide. More than 100 million people globally are affected, with over 20 million suffering from knee osteoarthritis in the U.S. alone. The market for products addressing knee osteoarthritis pain, including intra-articular hyaluronic acid, is valued at $2 billion and is growing at an annual rate of 6.5%. The U.S. constitutes about 40% of this market.

Moebius Medical, founded in 2008, focuses on developing novel pain relief solutions for osteoarthritis. Operating within the RAD Biomed Accelerator, the company bases its innovations on patented technology licensed from prominent research institutions. In 2016, Moebius partnered with Sun Pharma to advance product development, with Sun Pharma taking charge of further development and commercialization after Phase 2 studies.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a leader in specialty generics, is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and a major player in the U.S. and emerging global markets. Their specialty portfolio covers dermatology, ophthalmology, and onco-dermatology, accounting for a significant portion of their sales. With manufacturing facilities worldwide, Sun Pharma's medicines are trusted in over 100 countries. The company prides itself on its diverse workforce, comprising individuals from more than 50 countries.