- EP262, a first-in-class oral Mas-related G
protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) antagonist with the potential
to treat a broad range of inflammatory disorders, has demonstrated
proof-of-mechanism in chronic inducible urticaria and is in a Phase
2 study for chronic spontaneous urticaria
- EP547 is a first-in-class oral MRGPRX4
antagonist with the potential to treat cholestatic pruritus and
other conditions with severe pruritus
- Acquisition supports Incyte’s portfolio
strategy and complements its expanding R&D activities in
Inflammation and Autoimmunity (IAI)
- Incyte analyst and investor call scheduled for
April 23, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. ET
Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) and Escient Pharmaceuticals, a
clinical-stage drug discovery and development company advancing
novel small molecule therapeutics for systemic immune and
neuro-immune disorders, have entered into a definitive agreement
under which Incyte has agreed to acquire Escient, including EP262,
a first-in-class, potent, highly selective, once-daily small
molecule antagonist of Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2
(MRGPRX2) and EP547, a first-in-class oral MRGPRX4 antagonist.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423725958/en/
“As a company dedicated to innovation and the discovery of
transformative medicines, we are excited to add EP262 and EP547 to
our portfolio. This acquisition builds on our strategy to develop
differentiated and first-in-class medicines with high potential,”
said Hervé Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer, Incyte. “EP262 and
EP547 are complementary additions to our portfolio, providing an
opportunity to leverage our expertise, address the needs of
patients with inflammatory diseases and additional potential launch
opportunities starting in 2029.”
By blocking MRGPRX2 and degranulation of mast cells, EP262 has
the potential to effectively treat multiple mast cell-mediated
diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic inducible
urticaria (CIndU) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
Preclinical studies presented at the American Academy of
Dermatology annual meeting in March 2023 showed that EP262 improved
AD-like skin lesions and markers of type 2 inflammation.
Additionally, in a Phase 1 study of 64 healthy volunteers, EP262
was safe and well tolerated at all doses tested, with no serious or
severe adverse events, no adverse events leading to discontinuation
and no clinically meaningful adverse changes in safety laboratory
parameters, vital signs or ECG parameters. Treatment-emergent
adverse events for EP262 were mild, with an incidence that was
lower than placebo (33.3% vs. 62.5%) and did not increase with
dose.
“These drug candidates are the result of the highly innovative
research performed by Escient’s employees and scientific
collaborators,” said Joshua A. Grass, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Escient. “With its experienced development and commercial
teams in Inflammation and Autoimmunity and portfolio of commercial
and development stage products, Incyte is well positioned to
translate this new science into valuable medicines for
patients.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Incyte will acquire Escient
and its assets for $750 million plus Escient’s net cash remaining
at the close of the transaction, subject to customary adjustments.
The acquisition is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act, among other customary conditions, and will become effective
promptly following the satisfaction or waiver of these conditions
which is currently anticipated to be by the third quarter of
2024.
Centerview Partners LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC advised
Escient on the transaction and Fenwick & West LLP acted as
legal counsel for Escient. Covington & Burling LLP acted as
legal counsel for Incyte.
Incyte Conference Call and Webcast
Incyte will hold a conference call and webcast this morning at
8:00 a.m. ET. To access the conference call, please dial
877-407-3042 for domestic callers or +1 201-389-0864 for
international callers. When prompted, provide the conference
identification number: 13746287. If you are unable to participate,
a replay of the conference call will be available for 90 days. The
replay dial-in number for the United States is 877-660-6853 and the
dial-in number for international callers is +1 201-612-7415. To
access the replay, you will need the conference identification
number: 13746287.
The conference call will also be webcast live and can be
accessed at investor.incyte.com.
About EP262
EP262 is a potent, highly selective once-daily small molecule
antagonist of MRGPRX2, a receptor expressed on mast cells that is
activated by numerous ligands, including many peptides released
from sensory neurons as well as other cell types. In response to
MRGPRX2 activation, mast cells release histamine, tryptase,
chymase, chemokines and cytokines, which can cause itchy hives,
angioedema, type 2 inflammation (through engagement of the adaptive
immune system) and chronic pruritus and pain. Preclinical data
demonstrate that, by blocking activation of MRGPRX2, EP262 has the
potential to effectively treat a broad range of mast cell-mediated
conditions, with an initial focus on chronic urticarias and atopic
dermatitis.
About EP547
EP547 is a potent, highly selective antagonist that blocks the
activation of MRGPRX4 by various bile acids, bilirubin and
urobilin. By virtue of this disease-specific mechanism of action,
EP547 has the potential to be a highly targeted and efficacious
treatment for cholestatic and uremic pruritus.
About Chronic Urticaria
Chronic urticaria, defined as urticaria persisting for more than
6 weeks, manifests with very itchy hives that may vary in size and
can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life by interfering
with sleep and daily activities. Some patients with chronic
urticaria may also develop swelling deeper under the skin or in
other tissues (angioedema). There are two main forms of chronic
urticaria. In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), hives occur
spontaneously, without known triggers. In chronic inducible
urticaria (CIndU), hives are induced by specific triggers, such as
cold exposure (cold urticaria) or touch (symptomatic
dermographism), among others.
About Incyte
A global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to Solve On.,
Incyte follows the science to find solutions for patients with
unmet medical needs. Through the discovery, development and
commercialization of proprietary therapeutics, Incyte has
established a portfolio of first-in-class medicines for patients
and a strong pipeline of products in Oncology and Inflammation
& Autoimmunity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Incyte
has operations in North America, Europe and Asia.
For additional information on Incyte, please visit Incyte.com or
follow us on social media: LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook,
YouTube.
About Escient Pharmaceuticals
Escient Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage company focused on
developing novel therapeutics to address a broad range of
neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. The company’s pipeline
includes two first-in-class small molecule antagonists targeting
MRGPRX2 for the treatment of various mast cell mediated disorders
and MRGPRX4 for cholestatic pruritus. Based in San Diego,
California, Escient is led by an experienced management and
scientific team and funded by top-tier life science investors.
Incyte Forward-looking Statements
Except for the historical information set forth herein, the
matters set forth in this press release, including statements
regarding the opportunities presented by this transaction; whether
and when EP262 or EP547 will be approved for use; whether and when
Incyte will bring EP262 or EP547 to market; the potential of EP262
or EP547 to treat patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic
inducible urticaria (CIndU) and chronic urticaria (CSU) or for any
other indication; and the potential for Incyte to broaden its
ability to bring new medicines to patients, contain predictions,
estimates and other forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's
current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties
that may cause actual results to differ materially, including
unanticipated developments in and risks related to: unanticipated
delays; further research and development and the results of
clinical trials possibly being unsuccessful or insufficient to meet
applicable regulatory standards or warrant continued development;
the ability to enroll sufficient numbers of subjects in clinical
trials; the Company’s dependence on its relationships with its
collaboration partners; the efficacy or safety of the Company’s
products and the products of the Company’s collaboration partners;
the acceptance of the Company’s products and the products of the
Company’s collaboration partners in the marketplace; market
competition; sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution
requirements; and other risks detailed from time to time in the
Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including its annual report filed on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2023. The Company disclaims any intent or
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423725958/en/
Incyte Contacts:
Media media@incyte.com
Investors ir@incyte.com
Escient Contact:
ir@escientpharma.com
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