MM-093 is a recombinant version of human alpha-fetoprotein (hAFP), an immunomodulatory serum protein normally produced at very high levels by the fetus and present in low levels in the blood of adults and children. Research on AFP suggests that it may play a role in modulating the immune system of the mother in order to protect the developing fetus during pregnancy. The presence of hAFP in the pregnant mother’s blood has long been associated with remission of many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, during the third trimester of pregnancy.

We are conducting research to better understand the role of AFP in modulating the immune system and to assess MM-093’s potential to improve the treatment of autoimmune disease. We have conducted an extensive set of pre-clinical safety and efficacy studies in animals that provided compelling evidence of the potential of MM-093 in multiple indications. Merrimack has completed both a Phase 1 healthy volunteer study and a pilot study of MM-093 in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. These preliminary studies demonstrate that MM-093 was well tolerated and supports the hypothesis that MM-093 may be an important new therapeutic in the treatment of autoimmune disease.  We are continuing to advance MM-093 in further clinical studies.  For more information on our current clinical trials, please go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and type in "MM-093" in the search box.