Acticor: 'we are delighted to observe the market's reaction'.

(CercleFinance.com) - French biopharmaceutical company Acticor Biotech found itself in the spotlight last week following the successful completion of a clinical trial for the emergency treatment of stroke.
Gilles Avenard, the company's CEO, talks to Cercle Finance about the implications of this success.

Cercle Finance: Your company's share price jumped by over 40% last week in the wake of the publication of positive clinical results in stroke. How do you explain this market interest?

Gilles Avenard: We naturally welcome the market's interest following the publication of the results of the ACTIMIS phase 1/2 clinical trial in the international scientific journal 'The Lancet Neurology'. The publication, by M. Mazighi et al, describes all the results obtained in the ACTIMIS trial, which have already been presented at international conferences, notably the significant reduction in mortality and the reduction in intracerebral hemorrhage in the group of patients treated with glenzocimab. The Lancet Neurology is a benchmark journal for the scientific and medical community, highlighting glenzocimab in the treatment of ischemic stroke, and reinforcing our confidence in the clinical value of our drug candidate. We look forward to the market's reaction to these encouraging data.

CF: A pivotal Phase III study is now due to be initiated by the end of the year. When can we expect to see your drug on the market?

GA: The results of our ongoing Phase 2/3 clinical study, ACTISAVE, currently evaluating glenzocimab in over 400 patients with ischemic stroke, will be an important milestone. The results are expected in the second quarter of 2024 and will be essential to confirm the efficacy of glenzocimab in these patients.

Based on these results and the recommendations of international stroke experts, we plan to consult the EMA and FDA again in 2024 to discuss the final phase of registration in both Europe and the USA. Depending on the results and the agencies' requests, market launch is scheduled for 2028 at the latest.

The interest shown by 'The Lancet Neurology' and the community of experts in the field in our current results underlines the scientific seriousness of our approach, reinforcing our determination to advance glenzocimab towards a major therapeutic solution for patients.

CF: This good news puts you in an ideal position as you look to tap the market in the near future. There is talk of raising at least 4.5 million euros. When do you expect to make the deal official?

GA: The strong interest shown by investors following the publication of these results in 'The Lancet Neurology' is a strong testimony to the growing confidence in the potential of glenzocimab.

Acticor Biotech is currently evaluating all strategic options to ensure adequate funding for its research and development activities. Although preliminary discussions have taken place, no formal decision has yet been taken regarding a fundraising. We are aware of the importance of this step and will communicate with the market in due course.

Our objective remains to maintain a solid financial balance while enabling our development program to continue through to the final registration phases.

CF: With Novo Nordisk's recent good results in the fields of obesity and cardiovascular prevention, investors have realized that certain molecules can have many functions. Although Acticor is not involved in the prevention of cardiovascular events, could your candidate have benefits in other indications?

GA: Although the main field of application of glenzocimab is focused on the treatment of ischemic stroke, we are open to exploring other potential indications to maximize the impact of our drug candidate.

A notable step in this direction is the LIBERATE clinical trial, which received approval from the UK regulatory agency (MHRA) at the end of last year. Conducted in partnership with the University of Birmingham, LIBERATE will evaluate the efficacy of glenzocimab in the treatment of myocardial infarction. Based on the solid foundations of a long-standing collaboration, this randomized, double-blind Phase 2b study is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of glenzocimab versus placebo in reducing the size of myocardial infarction in over 200 patients.

The positive results of this study could not only broaden the scope of application of glenzocimab in cardiovascular emergencies, but also offer a new therapeutic perspective for patients facing this critical condition.

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