Hyperion Therapeutics Acquires Andromeda Biotech

In an effort to bolster its drug portfolio, Hyperion Therapeutics has acquired Andromeda Biotech and its DiaPep277 Type 1 diabetes immunotherapy in a $12.5 million deal.

The potentially first-in-class DiaPep277 holds Orphan Drug designation in the U.S. and now is being evaluated in a Phase III fully enrolled confirmatory adult patient clinical study.

Results of the 100-center trail, being conducted in North America, Europe, Israel and Argentina, are anticipated in the first quarter of 2015, the Brisbane, Calif.-based Hyperion said.

DiaPep277 is a 24-amino acid peptide derived from human heat shock protein 60 that has demonstrated a beneficial effect on the auto-immune attack of pancreatic beta cells occurring in patients with Type 1 diabetes. DiaPep277 preserves endogenous insulin secretion by selectively impeding beta cell destruction without impacting other essential immune system functions.

Treating Type 1 diabetes with the subcutaneously injected DiaPep277 may have several potential benefits, including slowing disease progression, maintaining metabolic control, and reducing risk for diabetic complications, the company said. — Kellen Owings

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