Just a few weeks after gaining approval in Canada,
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.'s
(
OSIR
) stem cell therapy, Prochymal, gained approval in New Zealand.
Prochymal gained approval for the treatment of acute graft-vs-host
disease (GvHD) in children.
Osiris had submitted its marketing application to Medsafe, the
medical regulatory agency in New Zealand, in May 2011. Prochymal
was granted priority review status.
Prochymal is the first manufactured stem cell product to gain
approval and the first treatment to gain approval for GvHD.
Besides being approved in Canada and New Zealand, we note that
Prochymal is available under an Expanded Access Program (EAP) in
seven countries including the US.
Our Take
Prochymal's approval in New Zealand is a boost for Osiris.
Shares were up 13.75% on the news. Prochymal is the lead candidate
at Osiris and represents significant commercial potential.
Prochymal is currently being evaluated for other indications as
well including refractory Crohn's disease (phase III), type I
diabetes, and myocardial infarction (heart attack - phase II).
We currently have low visibility on the status of Osiris'
development and commercialization agreement with Genzyme, a
Sanofi
(
SNY
) company, for Prochymal. Earlier this year, Sanofi, in its fourth
quarter press release, had said that it has discontinued the
development of Prochymal for GvHD.
Osiris said that the announcement was made without its knowledge
or advice and clarified that Prochymal's development has not been
discontinued. Although Osiris had not received any communication
from Sanofi regarding the termination of their agreement, Osiris
notified Sanofi that it is treating Sanofi's statement as an
intention to terminate the agreement.
According to Osiris, all rights to Prochymal will return to
Osiris without the company being required to compensate Sanofi.
Osiris believes it can now pursue commercialization agreements for
Prochymal with other parties.
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Osiris, which
carries a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating).
OSIRIS THERAPTC (OSIR): Free Stock Analysis
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