Flex Pharma to cut two trials, reduce headcount and explore merger options
“Recent observations of oral intolerability at the current dose and formulation, in a subset of patients, in both studies, indicate that more formulation and dose-ranging studies are required, which is challenging for the Company based upon our current resources,” said CEO Bill McVicar in a statement.
The firm will continue its investigation of FLX-787 in patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
In a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Flex Pharma also outlined its intention to reduce headcount and explore the possibility of a sale or merger: “…The company plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 60%, with the majority of the reduction in personnel expected to be completed by June 30, 2018.”
The firm anticipates the restructure to cost between $800k (€676k) and $1.1m.
In addition, the filing states that Flex Pharma’s “board and management team have initiated a process to explore a range of strategic alternatives for enhancing stockholder value, including the potential sale or merger of the company.”
Flex Pharma did not respond to a request for comment.
Earlier this year, Takeda Pharmaceuticals also announced its intention to target amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through a nucleic acid-focused collaboration with Wave Life Sciences.
