BioLineRx BL7010 – Drug Information

So, this is a new drug for me. I haven’t seen much about it.

BioLineRX has a drug called BL7010. It seems to work by being a gliadin neutralizer. When a Celiac patient eats gluten, the gliadin proteins are the ones that cause the immune system damage the small intestine. BL7010 seems to capture the gliadin, neutralize gliadin, and escort the gliadin out of the system. BL7010 is not absorbed into the blood stream. BL7010 acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract. Because it isnt’ absorbed systemically, it has a very good safety profile as demonstrated in pre-clinical studies.

BiolineRX did pre-clinical studies and did phase 1/2 studies that were completed in 2014 on 40 patients. They were going to start Phase 2 trials in late 2016. This drug received a “medical device” designation by the EU in 2016.

That seems to be where the trail ends though. The company’s web site does not list any more than that. There are no more recent mentions in the press or indications that this drug is moving forward in any way shape or form. I’ve reached out to BioLineRx and will keep you in the loop about what has happened here.

I realize drug development requires a great deal of time, money, and effort. It makes me sad that this drug could have been on the forefront of Celiac drug therapies. The drug completed phase 1 clinical trials about 5 years ago and has not moved forward. Why is that? Did the drug not work? Were there too many side effects? It is just disappointing.

I know the road to a cure is going to be littered with failed experiments. That is how science progresses. It progresses in fits and spurts rather than a smooth uphill climb. I know this in my head. But my aching stomach and my desire to be relieved of all my symptoms wants a cure today. Just a little pill or shot to make me not have to worry or be sick all the time. Is that too much to ask?

Anyway, that’s what I know today about BL7010. I’ll let you all know if I find out more!