Biophytis and AskHelpU: A New Hope for ALS Patients in China

Biophytis SA (BPTSY), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in age-related diseases, has signed a co-development agreement with AskHelpU, China's largest patient association for those affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This strategic partnership aims to evaluate the efficacy of BIO101, Biophytis' lead drug candidate, in treating ALS, a severe and progressive neuromuscular disease with no current curative treatment available.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects approximately 200,000 patients in China, making it one of the largest markets for research and development of new treatments. The disease leads to the gradual paralysis of muscles, speech, and swallowing functions, with recent advances in understanding its genetics and biology failing to yield a curative treatment. The prevalence of ALS is estimated to be between 4.1 and 8.4 patients per 100,000 inhabitants, with around 6,000 patients in France, 31,000 in the United States, and 200,000 in China.

AskHelpU, founded in 2019 by former JD.com Vice President Cai Lei, has built the largest patient-centered data platform in China, connecting over 15,000 people affected by neurodegenerative diseases. The organization has raised significant awareness about ALS and has received substantial funding, including a recent 100 million RMB donation announced in early 2024 for basic research. Cai Lei has personally invested over 30 million RMB in the fight against ALS and in supporting patients since 2019.

The co-development agreement between Biophytis and AskHelpU will leverage Biophytis' expertise with its drug candidate, BIO101, and AskHelpU's knowledge in ALS disease. AskHelpU will rely on top Chinese universities and research laboratories to conduct experiments, ensuring high-quality research and expertise for the clinical trial. If the preclinical results are promising and the proof of concept is established following the initial phase, the development will progress towards a larger-scale clinical phase. BIO101, currently in development for other indications, including sarcopenia and obesity, could potentially offer a therapeutic solution for ALS patients.

This entirely synergistic agreement aligns with Biophytis' long-term strategy for BIO101 and other drug candidates in its pipeline. By exploring BIO101's potential in ALS, Biophytis is expanding the potential indications for its lead drug candidate and tapping into a large market for rare diseases. The partnership with AskHelpU also demonstrates Biophytis' commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for improving patient care, as stated in the press release.

In conclusion, the co-development agreement between Biophytis and AskHelpU presents a unique opportunity to evaluate BIO101's efficacy in treating ALS, a severe and progressive neuromuscular disease with a significant global prevalence. This partnership aligns with both companies' long-term strategies and has the potential to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for improving patient care in China and beyond.