EMD Serono, MGH Collaborate On Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis R&D

By Cyndi Root

EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, announced in a press release that it will be collaborating with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to further understand the pathology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus Nephritis (LN). The two partners will focus on characterizing pathogenic immune cell types and biomarkers and validating therapeutic targets.

Ravi Thadhani, MD, MPH, Chief of the Division of Nephrology at MGH, said, “The Division of Nephrology at MGH is deeply committed to bringing novel therapies to patients who suffer from kidney disease, and this complementary collaboration with EMD Serono brings us closer to helping patients with lupus nephritis.”

EMD Serono and MGH Agreement

Harsukh Parmar, SVP of Immunology & Neurology at the EMD Serono R&D Institute, commented on the new alliance saying that collaborations with academic centers such as MGH, position the company for high-quality clinical trials. The two companies will generate data on EMD Serono’s SLE and LN assets and investigate new compounds through gene expression analysis and compound testing. EMD Serono states that the collaboration will leverage the biotech innovation center emerging in Massachusetts.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1.5 million in the U.S. LN is a complication of SLE wherein patients develop kidney inflammation, often leading to kidney failure. The diseases affect the joints, skin, kidney, and the brain. The cause of these autoimmune disorders is not known, and SLE and LN treatments are lacking, signifying an area of high unmet need.

SLE and LN Treatments

Treatments for SLE control symptoms. Mild symptoms are treated with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug. More severe symptoms merit high-dose corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs. Treatments for LN include corticosteroids, such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, or azathioprine. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

SLE and LN Market

Market Research issued a report in 2013 on the SLE and LN market titled, “PharmaPoint: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis – Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2022.” It states that new biologic drugs will shape the market in the future, which is now dominated by generics. GlaxoSmithKline’s Benlysta is the only drug approved in 50 years, but the price tag is high. The report states that Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, Merck Serono, UCB, ImmuPharma, and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s are actively seeking SLE and LN drugs.