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Roche Sticking With SMA Despite Terminating Olesoxime

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Problems over formulation and the arrival of effective treatment options in spinal muscular atrophy, headed by Biogen's antisense oligonucleotide drug Spinraza, have led to the plug being pulled on olesoxime - but the Swiss major has a back-up candidate.

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One project blown, one left for Roche in SMA • Source: Shutterstock

The emergence of effective treatments for spinal muscular atrophy and "many difficulties" in its development has led Roche to axe olesoxime, which was due to start Phase III trials later this year for the rare genetic disorder.

The Swiss major got hold of olesoxime three years ago when it acquired France's Trophos, paying €120m up front, and...

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