Sun Pharma reports positive results for MM-II injection in knee osteoarthritis trial

Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical Limited, an Israel-based company, showcased compelling data at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2024 conference. The results demonstrated the prolonged efficacy of the MM-II injection in providing pain relief for knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients up to 26 weeks post-injection. This data was derived from a phase 2b randomized controlled trial (NCT04506463).

Long-Lasting Relief in Knee Osteoarthritis

Philip G. Conaghan, Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Leeds and Director of the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, presented the findings. He highlighted the significant impact of the MM-II treatment, noting its potential to fulfill the urgent need for more effective osteoarthritis therapies. “Data from the 3mL dose of MM-II in this trial demonstrate MM-II’s potential to offer durable and meaningful pain relief with good tolerability,” stated Prof. Conaghan.

Advancing Non-Opioid Treatment Options

MM-II is an innovative non-opioid therapy utilizing a proprietary suspension of large, empty, multilamellar liposomes designed to reduce joint friction and wear, thus alleviating pain. Both Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical are preparing to escalate this promising treatment to a Phase 3 clinical program and aim to secure a CE Mark for the European Union market.

Clinical Trial Insights

The analysis from the clinical study revealed that a single intra-articular injection of 3mL of MM-II provided superior pain relief compared to placebo over a 26-week period. Importantly, from weeks 12 to 26, a greater number of patients treated with MM-II reported a ≥50% improvement in knee pain compared to those receiving placebo and required less additional medication.

Executive Comments

Abhay Gandhi, CEO of North America Business at Sun Pharma, emphasized the widespread need for new osteoarthritis treatments, citing over 100 million people currently suffering from joint pain. Moshe Weinstein, CEO of Moebius Medical, also expressed optimism about MM-II’s role as a safe and effective alternative to existing OA treatments and looked forward to further development alongside Sun Pharma.

The presentation of MM-II’s clinical data at EULAR 2024 marks a crucial step forward in the treatment of osteoarthritis, suggesting significant potential for improving patient outcomes in pain management without reliance on opioids.