In November 2016, it was announced that Novartis had acquired Selexys Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Since 2012, Novartis had had an exclusive right to acquire Selexys following receipt of results of the SUSTAIN study, a Phase II trial evaluating the use of SelG1, an anti-P-selectin antibody, in the reduction of vaso-occlusive pain crises in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Results from the study will be presented during the Plenary Scientific Session at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on December 4, 2016, in San Diego, CA. Selexsyz focused on development of therapeutics for the treatment of inflammation, thrombosis and metastasis across a broad range of severe diseases. The firmsâ lead program is for a humanized antibody (SelG1) that binds P-selectin with high affinity and specificity and blocks its function. Studies in animal models of SCD have shown that blocking or eliminating P-selectin function has a potential therapeutic effect by preventing vasoocclusion and maintaining normal blood flow. Selexys has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in both the U.S. and Europe for SelG1 in the treatment of sickle cell-related pain crises. Selexys is also developing an antibody directed against PSGL-1 for the treatment of Crohn's disease, multiple myeloma, and other inflammatory disorders. In September 2012, Selexys completed a $25 million Series A equity financing led by MPM Capital and entered into an agreement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals whereby Novartis was granted an exclusive option to acquire Selexys and its lead asset, the anti-P-selectin antibody SelG1, for up to $665M following the successful completion of a Phase 2 clinical study in patients with sickle cell disease.
