Omeros Announces Publication Detailing the Mechanism of Action of PDE7 In Nicotine Addiction
June 10 2021 - 8:45AM
Business Wire
-- Inhibitors of PDE7 Enzymes Could Treat
Nicotine Abuse --
Omeros Corporation (Nasdaq: OMER), a commercial-stage
biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing and
commercializing small-molecule and protein therapeutics for
large-market as well as orphan indications targeting inflammation,
immunologic diseases (e.g., complement-mediated diseases and
cancers) and central nervous system disorders, today announced
publication of the article “Selective inhibition of
phosphodiesterase 7 enzymes reduces motivation for nicotine use
through modulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic transmission” in the
peer-reviewed Journal of Neuroscience.
The article describes for the first time the effect of selective
inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7), an enzyme that regulates
the intracellular levels of the second messenger cyclic adenosine
monophosphate, on nicotine consumption. Specifically, inhibitors of
PDE7 reduced nicotine consumption and relapse in rodent models of
nicotine abuse. Inhibition of PDE7 by Omeros’ proprietary small
molecules such as OMS527, which was previously reported to have no
safety concerns and a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with
once-daily oral dosing in its successful Phase 1 trial, resulted in
potentiation of intracellular signaling linked to dopamine D1
receptors, which can restore the dopaminergic transmission altered
by nicotine. In the study it was also observed that PDE7 inhibition
did not elicit conditioned place preference and did not induce
intravenous self-administration, indicating lack of abuse liability
of OMS527. The research was conducted in collaboration with the
School of Pharmacy of the University of Camerino in Italy.
“In my 30 years of research in addiction, I have rarely seen
such a clear and promising effect as that seen with PDE7
inhibitors,” said Roberto Ciccocioppo, Professor of Pharmacology
and Head of the School of Advanced Studies at the University of
Camerino. “I am also excited about the mechanism of action of these
molecules. They act by restoring the dopaminergic transmission,
which is altered by chronic nicotine use. Equally important, they
have this effect without any signs of abuse potential. Considering
the general role of dopamine transmission in substance use
disorder, I expect that administration of PDE7 inhibitors would
also reduce the motivation of other drugs of abuse, such as
opioids, psychostimulants and alcohol.”
About Tobacco Use Disorders
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are
1.25 billion smokers worldwide, representing one third of the
global population over the age of 15. As many as 5 million deaths
occur each year as a result of tobacco use. In industrialized
countries, approximately 90% of lung cancer, 80% of chronic
respiratory disease, and about 20% of cardiovascular diseases are
attributed to tobacco use. Recent developments such as forms of
electronic nicotine delivery are contributing to a new surge of
nicotine use, especially in young adults. Development of novel and
more efficacious treatment for smoking cessation can have an
important impact on public health. Omeros owns global rights to the
use of PDE7 inhibitors for the treatment of addictive
disorders.
About Omeros Corporation
Omeros is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed
to discovering, developing and commercializing small-molecule and
protein therapeutics for large-market and orphan indications
targeting inflammation, immunologic diseases (e.g.,
complement-mediated diseases and cancers) and central nervous
system disorders. Its commercial product OMIDRIA® (phenylephrine
and ketorolac intraocular solution) 1%/0.3% continues to gain
market share in cataract surgery. Omeros’ lead MASP-2 inhibitor
narsoplimab targets the lectin pathway of complement and is the
subject of a biologics license application under priority review by
FDA for the treatment of hematopoietic stem cell
transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy. Narsoplimab is
also in multiple late-stage clinical development programs focused
on other complement-mediated disorders, including IgA nephropathy,
atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and COVID-19. OMS906, Omeros’
inhibitor of MASP-3, the key activator of the alternative pathway
of complement, is in a Phase 1 clinical trial, and the company’s
PDE7 inhibitor program OMS527, targeting addiction and movement
disorders, has successfully completed a Phase 1 trial. Omeros’
pipeline holds a diverse group of preclinical programs including a
proprietary-asset-enabled antibody-generating technology and a
proprietary GPCR platform through which it controls 54 GPCR drug
targets and their corresponding compounds. One of these novel
targets, GPR174, modulates a new cancer immunity axis recently
discovered by Omeros, and the company is advancing GPR174-targeting
antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. For more information
about Omeros and its programs, visit www.omeros.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are
subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections for such
statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact
are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms
such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “look forward to,” “may,” “objective,”
“plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “slate,”
“target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions and variations
thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s
beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management
only as of the date of this press release. Omeros’ actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without
limitation, risks associated with unproven preclinical and clinical
development activities, regulatory processes and oversight,
challenges associated with manufacture or supply of our
investigational products, intellectual property claims, competitive
developments, and the risks, uncertainties and other factors
described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) on March 1, 2021. Given these risks, uncertainties
and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, and the company assumes no obligation
to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
applicable law.
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Jennifer Cook Williams Cook Williams Communications, Inc.
Investor and Media Relations 360.668.3701 jennifer@cwcomm.org
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