SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) announced today that it presented interim data from a Phase 1/2 trial for BMN 250, an investigational enzyme replacement therapy using a novel fusion of recombinant human alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU) with a peptide derived from insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), for the treatment of Sanfilippo B syndrome or mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB (MPS IIIB) at WORLDSymposium™ 2018. Discovered by BioMarin, BMN 250 is being studied in a multicenter, international clinical trial evaluating safety and tolerability, as well as cognitive function of patients with Sanfilippo B receiving BMN 250. Designed to restore functional NAGLU activity in the brain, BMN 250 is administered via intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion.

In the completed dose escalation portion of the study (Part 1), which was primarily designed to determine safety and pharmacodynamic activity of BMN 250, three patients received escalating doses (30mg, 100mg, 300mg) of BMN 250 over 9 to12 months. In Part 2 of the study, patients are rolled over from an observational study and receive the 300 mg dose. This interim data cut includes the three patients from the dose escalation study and three patients from Part 2.  Eligible patients from a concurrently-running observational study (250-901) are expected roll over into Part 2 on an ongoing basis. 

Sanfilippo B patients are missing one of four enzymes required for heparan sulfate (HS) degradation, resulting in HS elevations. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HS levels, which were markedly elevated at baseline, were rapidly reduced to the non-affected or normal range in all six patients studied to date. These data demonstrate in vivo biochemical activity of BMN 250.

All Sanfilippo B patients in 250-901 have enlarged livers as assessed by abdominal MRI scans. All three BMN 250-treated Part 1 patients experienced decreases in liver size into the normal range for age; data for the first three rollover patients is pending. These data demonstrate that ICV-administered BMN 250 while administered to the CNS, can reach the peripheral circulation and has activity in somatic organs.

Untreated Sanfilippo B patients in the observational study show progressive declines over time in developmental quotient (DQ), a measure of cognitive function normalized to age. In contrast, preliminary data in all three Part 1 patients suggest DQ stabilization. Further data in these patients and in patients who roll into the treatment study is necessary to confirm this early observation.

Interim trial data indicates that ICV-administered BMN 250 is well-tolerated by Sanfilippo B patients. The most common device-related adverse events (AEs) were ICV infection prior to first BMN 250 infusion, injection site erythema, CSF pleocytosis and blood clot in CSF. The most common AEs related to BMN 250 were pyrexia/fever, CSF pleocytosis, vomiting and headache. Dose-related serious adverse events (SAEs) include vomiting, headache, fever, alteration of consciousness and CSF pleocytosis; all of these events were self-limited. The AE profile is generally consistent with that seen with other ERTs and the ICV mode of administration.

"These studies are generating a robust data set to determine the safety and efficacy of BMN 250 in Sanfilippo B," said Hank Fuchs, M.D., President, Worldwide Research and Development at BioMarin. "While it is still very early, we are encouraged that the interim data is showing normalization of an important biomarker and liver size, as well as suggesting a stabilization in cognitive decline. We appreciate the support of the Sanfilippo community to study this experimental treatment, and we remain committed to contributing to the body of scientific knowledge of this devastating disease."

BMN 250 has been granted orphan drug designation by the European Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. BioMarin has three approved therapies to treat different forms of MPS. BMN 250 is a potential fourth therapy in development for the treatment of an MPS disorder.  BioMarin also has a recently approved enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease, a form of Batten disease, delivered through intraventricular administration.

Study Design

The BMN 250 development program consists of three independent and complementary multicenter, international studies. BMN 250-901 is an observational study of the progression of Sanfilippo B over time in children 1-10 years of age with relatively preserved cognitive function. BMN 250-201 is a Phase 1/2 treatment study conducted in two parts, with Part 1 focused on safety with dose escalation. Part 2 consists of eligible patients rolling over from the BMN 250-901 observational study, in addition to continued treatment of the patients from Part 1 of the study, treated at the highest dose. Efficacy will be assessed by comparing changes in disease progression in the observational BMN 250-901 study vs. changes observed in Part 2 of the BMN 250-201 Phase 1/2 treatment study. A companion study, BMN 250 -902, is a natural history study of the progression of Sanfilippo B over time in children 0-18 years of age with all levels of cognitive function.

About BMN 250

BMN 250 is an investigational enzyme replacement therapy using a novel fusion of recombinant human alpha-N-acetyglucosaminidase (NAGLU) with a peptide derived from insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) for the treatment of Sanfilippo B syndrome or mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB (MPS IIIB).  Designed to restore functional NAGLU activity in the brain, BMN 250 is delivered directly to the fluid surrounding the brain (cerebrospinal fluid) by an intracerebroventricular infusion. 

For additional information regarding the investigational product BMN 250, please contact BioMarin Medical Information at medinfo@bmrn.com.

About Sanfilippo B

Sanfilippo B, a lysosomal storage disease, is caused by deficiency in the enzyme alpha-N-acetyglucosaminidase (NAGLU), one of the four enzymes required for heparan sulfate (HS) degradation. There are an estimated 2,000-3,000 patients in existing BioMarin territories who are living with Sanfilippo B syndrome.

The first symptoms generally appear between the ages of two and six years and consist of behavior disorders, intellectual deterioration, sleep disorders and, in some cases, very mild dysmorphism. The neurological involvement becomes more prominent with progressive loss of motor milestones and communication problems. The prognosis is poor with death occurring in most cases in the late teens or early 20s.

About BioMarin

BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that develops and commercializes innovative therapies for people with serious and life-threatening rare disorders. The company's portfolio consists of six commercialized products and multiple clinical and pre-clinical product candidates.  

For additional information, please visit www.BMRN.com. Information on BioMarin's website is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements about the business prospects of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., including, without limitation, statements about the development plans for BMN 250, the interim data from the clinical trials, and expectations regarding the clinical trials for this product candidate. These forward-looking statements are predictions and involve risks and uncertainties such that actual results may differ materially from these statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, among others: results and timing of current and planned clinical trials of its product candidates; final analysis of the clinical trial data collected to date, the content and timing of decisions by the FDA, the EMA and other regulatory authorities concerning its product candidates; our ability to manufacture sufficient quantities of BMN 250 for clinical trials, commercial launch and other preapproval requirements; and those other risks detailed from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, and future filings and reports by the Company. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

BioMarin® is a registered trademark of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

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SOURCE BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.