Hyperion acquires Andromeda, Focused Type 1 Immune Intervention Therapy

On April 24, Hyperion Therapeutics announced that it would acquire Andromeda Biotech. Andromeda is focused on the development of a first-in-class immune therapy for new onset type 1 diabetes – a pressing need for the approximately 35,000 adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year across the US and Europe (we aren’t sure how this figure was calculated but it sounds reasonable – as we understand it, there has actually been an increase in type 1 among adults recently. The drug, called DiaPep277, is currently in phase 3 clinical trials in adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In previous trials, patients treated with DiaPep277 showed reduced loss of beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that make insulin), improved A1c, and reduced rates of hypoglycemia. DiaPep277 would not replace the need for insulin, but it could help preserve some beta cell function right after diagnosis, which can make type 1 diabetes easier to manage. Unfortunately, the therapy is not being tested in newly diagnosed type 1 children at this time. We look forward to phase 3 trial results expected for early next year, as these results should provide a better picture on the future of this drug. –NL