A recently conducted Interim analysis of IMR-SCD-301 demonstrated that while IMR-687 was generally well-tolerated, it failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoint. So, the sponsor has decided to discontinue this study.

A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of IMR-687 in Subjects with Sickle Cell Disease

A phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of subjects with sickle cell disease (SCD; homozygous sickle hemoglobin [HbSS], sickle-β0 [HbSβ0] thalassemia, or sickle-β+ [HbSβ+] thalassemia) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the phosphodiesterase type 9 (PDE9) inhibitor, IMR-687, administered once daily (qd) for 52 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Confirmed diagnosis of SCD (HbSS, HbSB0 thalassemia, or HbSB+ thalassemia)
2. Hemoglobin of >5.5 and <10.5 g/dL; Hb values within 21 days post-transfusion will be excluded.
3. Subjects must have had at least 2 and no more than 12 documented episodes of VOCs in the past 12 months at the time of informed consent signing and at randomization (Day 1).
4. Subjects receiving HU must have received it continuously for at least 6 months prior to signing informed consent, and must have been on a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to signing the informed consent, with no anticipated need for dose adjustments during the study including the screening period, in the opinion of the investigator.
5. Female subjects must not be pregnant or breastfeeding and be highly unlikely to become pregnant. Male subjects must be unlikely to impregnate a partner.
6. Must be willing and able to complete all study assessments and procedures, and to communicate effectively with the investigator and site staff.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Hospital discharge for sickle cell crisis or other vaso-occlusive event within the 4 days prior to randomization (Day 1).
2. Subjects participating in a chronic/prophylactic RBC transfusion program (i.e., regularly scheduled RBC transfusions); any transfusions within 21 days of screening or baseline Hb measurements
3. Subjects with HbF >25% at screening.
4. Significant kidney disease (eGFR <45mL/min) and liver dysfunction: alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase >3x upper limit of normal.
5. Body mass index (BMI) <17.0 kg/m2 and a total body weight <45 kg; or a BMI >35 kg/m2.
6. Subjects with known active hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, with active or acute event of malaria, or who are known to be positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
7. Stroke requiring medical intervention within 24 weeks prior to randomization (Day 1).
8. Prior exposure to IMR-687.
9. Subjects taking direct acting oral anti-coagulants (apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, or ticagrelor) or taking warfarin unless they stopped the treatment at least 28 days prior to randomization (Day 1).
10. A history of use of crizanlizumab (Adakveo®) or voxelotor (Oxbryta®) within 6 months prior to signing the informed consent.
11. Receipt of erythropoietin, luspatercept (Reblozyl®)or other hematopoietic growth factor treatment within 3 months of signing the ICF or anticipated need for such agents during the study.
12. Prior gene therapy.

Double-Blind