Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX: NEU) announced that its new variant growth hormone (GH) molecule, NNZ-3006, has shown the ability to reduce fat deposits in an animal model, but none of GH’s unwanted side effects that include increased risk of diabetes and fluid retention.
Neuren’s GH portfolio has historically arisen on the back of extensive research and consultation with Pharmacia, and more lately Pfizer, as well as Neuren’s own related scientific endeavours in the field. Neuren has selected and patented unique technologies such as NNZ-3006 that have properties lending themselves to competitive market positioning.
NNZ-3006 is a novel, naturally-occurring variant of the human GH and is expected to be applicable to a wide range of conditions for which GH is already approved and may also have new uses related to obesity and fat metabolism.
The research work is partially funded by a grant from the Foundation for Research Science and Technology.
If the action profile is confirmed in human clinical trials, NNZ-3006 could significantly increase the therapeutic uses of GH in approved and new indications and capture significant market share due to the improved properties of this form of the hormone. Global sales of GH are estimated at US$2.4 billion and growing at approximately 20% per annum.
The only product approved for use in humans is a recombinant form of the GH made by the pituitary gland. However unacceptable side effects limit the use of this product, particularly in adults. The profile of action of NNZ-3006 differs from that of other forms of GH found in the placenta or the pituitary gland.
Neuren will now actively explore potential partnerships for clinical development, marketing and sales.
Professor Peter Gluckman, Neuren’s Chief Scientific Officer said: “This discovery creates considerable potential not only for growth hormone treatment of patients who were previously excluded from such therapy because of the issue of side effects, but also for growth hormone treatment of a wider range of indications.”
For more information, please visit Neuren’s website at www.neurenpharma.com
Contact details
Company Media and investor relations
David Clarke CEO of Neuren T: 1800 259 181 (Australia) T: +64 9 3 367 7167 ext 82308 (New Zealand) M: +64 21 988 052
Rebecca Piercy Buchan Consulting T: +61 2 9237 2800 M: +61 422 916 422
