Motus is a biopharmaceutical company developing peptide therapeutics for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Our lead product candidate, relamorelin, is a potent, best-in-class, Phase 2 ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis, a GI complication of diabetes, and other GI functional disorders. We believe this product candidate has the potential to treat gastrointestinal conditions for which there are currently limited therapeutic options. We believe that ghrelin is a compelling target because of its critical role in regulating GI function and metabolism, and that peptide therapeutics are well suited for activating this target.
We have completed two Phase 2 clinical trials of relamorelin for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis and chronic constipation, and additional Phase 2 clinical trials are under way in diabetic gastroparesis and lower GI functional disorders. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to relamorelin for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis.
Diabetic gastroparesis affects a large number of type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Diabetic gastroparesis is a disorder in which there is a substantial delay in stomach emptying along with characteristic symptoms of vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, early satiety, and bloating. Moderate to severe diabetic gastroparesis results in significant debility and hospitalizations and can interfere with nutrition and the absorption of medications. An estimated 2.3 million type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients in the United States have moderate or severe gastroparesis symptoms. Available therapies to treat this disorder are limited and exhibit significant side effects. No new therapies have been approved in the United States for the treatment of gastroparesis in more than 30 years.
Chronic refractory constipation is common among people with Parkinson’s disease, with studies reporting more than 50% of patients suffering from moderate to severe constipation. Many of these patients are refractory to existing therapy. In addition, GI dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease can affect the upper GI tract, resulting in gastroparesis. Overall, the symptoms of upper and lower GI functional disorders can be debilitating and disruptive to the lives of Parkinson’s disease patients and, in addition, may undermine the GI absorption of L-DOPA in the intestine, interfering with its effectiveness. Approximately one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease.
Lower GI Functional Disorders. Chronic constipation and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) are two of the most common GI functional disorders, with significant health consequences and symptoms that include constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and decreased appetite. Twelve to 19% of the U.S. population seeks medical care annually for these conditions, and approximately 38% of this group is dissatisfied with traditional treatment options due to lack of efficacy.
