Urovant Sciences acquires licensing for hMaxi-K gene therapy to treat overactive bladder from Ion Channel

Urovant Sciences has secured global licensing rights from Ion Channel Innovations for the development and commercialization of a promising gene therapy, hMaxi-K. This therapy is currently under development as a potential treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who have not found relief through traditional oral pharmacologic therapies. This comes at a time when there are no treatments specifically approved by the US FDA for overactive bladder, making this venture particularly significant.

hMaxi-K, administered through an intravesical injection, has undergone phase 1 studies to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Results from a phase 1b trial involving 13 women with OAB symptoms have shown that hMaxi-K is generally well tolerated and demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in urinary urgency and frequency, achieving statistical significance in the high dose cohort.

Keith A. Katkin, President and CEO of Urovant Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition to their clinical development portfolio. “We are eager to study the potential of hMaxi-K as an alternative therapy for OAB patients who are not getting adequate relief from other therapies,” Katkin stated. Urovant Sciences also benefits from gene therapy expertise available through its affiliation with the Roivant family of companies.

Looking ahead, Urovant Sciences plans to engage with the FDA to discuss further developments and is preparing to launch a phase 2 trial next year. This trial will focus on evaluating hMaxi-K’s effectiveness in treating OAB patients who have not responded to other pharmacological treatments.

The acquisition and further development of hMaxi-K could mark a significant advancement in the treatment of overactive bladder, a condition that affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. The initiative reflects Urovant Sciences’ commitment to addressing unmet medical needs through innovative therapies.

Urovant Sciences’ strategic licensing and planned trials for hMaxi-K gene therapy represent a crucial step towards offering new, effective treatment options for patients suffering from overactive bladder. This development underscores the dynamic nature of medical research and the continuous pursuit of better healthcare solutions.