Rhythm Announces Preliminary Data from Phase 2 Study of Setmelanotide for Treatment of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently announced the presentation of preliminary data from an ongoing Phase 2 proof-of-concept study evaluating the safety and efficacy of setmelanotide, the company’s novel melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, for the treatment of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). Results are being presented at the ObesityWeek 2017 meeting held October 29 – November 2, 2017, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Rhythm is advancing clinical research programs evaluating setmelanotide as a first-in-class treatment for a number of rare genetic forms of obesity caused by deficiencies in the MC4 pathway, a key biological pathway in humans that regulates weight by increasing energy expenditure and reducing appetite. Mutations affecting the MC4 pathway are a potential cause of early onset obesity and hyperphagia often associated with BBS, a rare genetic disorder that is also characterized by vision loss, polydactyly, kidney abnormalities, and other symptoms. BBS is estimated to have a prevalence of approximately one in 100,000 in North America.

“There are currently no approved treatment options to manage obesity in people living with BBS,” said Keith Gottesdiener, CEO of Rhythm. “We are committed to addressing the unmet needs in the BBS community as well as other patient populations impacted by rare genetic forms of obesity that result from deficiencies along the MC4 pathway and are not treatable with lifestyle modifications or currently available treatment options.”

The Phase 2 study includes five BBS patients who presented with morbid obesity and hyperphagia at initiation. Setmelanotide is being administered daily by subcutaneous injection for 52 weeks. Within 6-19 weeks of initiation, four patients experienced cumulative weight loss of 12.1% (17.8 kg), 7.9% (7.9 kg), 9.7% (11.8 kg), and 9.7% (9.5 kg) respectively. One patient showed no weight loss; however, achieved apparent weight stabilization. Hunger scores improved in all patients. Treatment has been well tolerated with adverse effects including mild injection site reactions and increased skin pigmentation.

The preliminary data provide support for continued evaluation of setmelanotide in BBS patients. Rhythm has also demonstrated proof-of-concept in Phase 2 clinical trials that evaluated setmelanotide for the treatment of two additional MC4 pathway deficiencies: pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency obesity and leptin receptor (LepR) deficiency obesity. The US FDA granted setmelanotide Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of POMC deficiency obesity and LepR deficiency obesity, and setmelanotide is currently in Phase 3 development for both conditions.

Rhythm is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of peptide therapeutics for the treatment of rare genetic deficiencies that result in life-threatening metabolic disorders. Rhythm’s lead peptide product candidate is setmelanotide, a first-in-class melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist for the treatment of rare genetic disorders of obesity. Rhythm supports The Genetic Obesity Project (www.GeneticObesity.com), which is dedicated to improving the understanding of severe obesity that is caused by specific genetic defects. The company is based in Boston, MA.