Trophos

Trophos was a clinical-stage French biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative and orphan diseases. The company's proprietary screening platform focused on identifying compounds that modulate mitochondrial function to protect cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis. Its lead candidate, olesoxime, demonstrated significant potential in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and reached Phase 3 clinical trials. In 2015, Trophos was acquired by Roche for an upfront payment of €120 million plus significant milestone payments totaling up to €470 million. The acquisition was primarily driven by the promising clinical data for olesoxime in SMA patients. Although Roche later discontinued the development of olesoxime in 2018, the Trophos acquisition represented a significant milestone in the search for SMA treatments.