Clinical report: Latest setback in RIPK1 program for Denali, Sanofi
Plus: RAPT’s clinical hold, Tagrisso’s latest readout
The failure of a RIPK1 program in a mid-stage study to treat ALS represents another setback for a partnership between Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NASDAQ:SNY) and Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:DNLI), which netted the biotech $125 million up front in 2018. It also raises the question of whether the biotech’s primary value driver may ultimately be in its blood-brain barrier transport vehicle (TV) technology.
Late last week, Denali disclosed in a regulatory filing that the molecule, SAR443820/DNL788, missed the primary endpoint evaluating its effects on an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional scale in the Phase II HIMALAYA trial. Although it’s not clear what steps lie ahead for the molecule in that disease, Denali said the Phase II K2 trial in multiple sclerosis is continuing...