MAY 15, 2023

Biophytis announced that it has submitted the application for Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) to initiate SARA-31, the first phase 3 study in sarcopenia, on the European portal of the EMA (European Medicines Agency). The launch of the Phase 3 program follows encouraging results from the SARA-INT Phase 2b study and interactions with health authorities in 2022. Based on the Phase 2b results and feedback from the agencies, Biophytis is starting its Phase 3 programme by filing the first Phase 3 (SARA-31) application in Europe.

The objective of the SARA-31 phase 3 study in sarcopenia is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sarconeos (BIO101) in the treatment of sarcopenic patients at risk of mobility disability. Approximately 900 patients over 65 years of age with severe sarcopenia (3 ≤ SPPB ≤ 7) with low walking speed (4-m Gait speed ≤ 0.8 m/s) and low grip strength (HGS < 20kg for women and < 35.5 kg for men) will be included. They will be treated for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months, receiving either placebo or 350mg of Sarconeos (BIO101) twice daily. The primary endpoint will be the assessment of the risk of Major Mobility Disability (MMD), measured by the ability to walk 400m in less than 15 minutes over time. In addition to this primary endpoint, the following secondary endpoints will be assessed: walking speed (4-m walking speed from the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test), handgrip strength (HGS) and patient-reported quality of life (Patient Reported Outcome SarQol, a questionnaire developed specifically for sarcopenia).

Biophytis expects a response from the regulatory authorities in the next quarter, which would allow Biophytis to initiate the study in Belgium in the following quarter. In addition, Biophytis is currently working on the preparation of the documents to be submitted to the FDA in order to request approvals to initiate the phase 3 study also in the United States. Finally, the principal investigator of the study will be Roger A. Fielding, PhD, who heads the Nutrition, Physiology, Exercise and Sarcopenia (NEPS) laboratory at Tufts University in Boston, who will continue with his contribution to the clinical development plan of Sarconeos(BIO101).

Stanislas Veillet, CEO of Biophytis stated: “Sarcopenia has only recently been recognised as a diagnosable disease, with no effective treatment option, despite the enormous medical need. Following the successful completion of the SARA-INT Phase 2b trial to assess the safety and efficacy of Sarconeos (BIO101) in patients over 65 years of age with sarcopenia and at risk of mobility disability, the submission of the EMA application to initiate a Phase 3 trial in sarcopenia marks the beginning of a new milestone in the development of our drug candidate. There is currently no drug approved in the world for sarcopenia. We are pioneers in this field and intend to continue to establish our leadership by being the first company to launch, in partnership with global or regional pharmaceutical companies, a Phase 3 clinical development program in this indication.”