Diamyd Medical has suspended dosing in its US Phase III study, DiaPrevent, with the antigen-based therapy Diamyd® following consultation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Termination follows a blinded review of the efficacy data collected to date in the study as well as the previously reported negative outcome of a European Phase III study of the same design.
The Phase III study conducted in the US enrolled more than 320 patients between 10 and 20 years of age who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within three months of entering the study. The study included three treatment arms in which one-third of the patients were scheduled to receive four subcutaneous injections of Diamyd®; one-third to receive two injections of Diamyd®; and one-third to receive placebo (non-active substance). The injections were to be given over a period of 9 months. The last patient randomized into the study received the first injection of Diamyd® or placebo in December 2010. The study included a main study period of 15 months, but this will now be shortened.
On May 9, 2011, the Company reported that its parallel European Phase III study with Diamyd® did not meet the primary efficacy endpoint of preserving beta cell function at 15 months, as measured by meal stimulated C-peptide, although a small positive effect was seen. Furthermore, Diamyd® was well tolerated as demonstrated by a similar number of adverse events in the Diamyd® treated groups as well as in the placebo treated group. The follow-up period of the European Phase III study was closed on June 1, 2011. Detailed results from the European study will be presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 71st Scientific Sessions (ADA) in San Diego, CA, USA, on June 28, 2011.
The research consortium Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet is conducting a Phase II trial with Diamyd® in the US and Canada with a similar study design. Results from that study will also be presented at the ADA in San Diego, on June 27, 2011.
An externally funded and researcher-initiated Phase II study with Diamyd® aiming to prevent type 1 diabetes in children at high risk of developing the disease is in progress. That study is not affected by the findings in the two Phase III trials.