Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) expects to report results from a third Phase 3 Clinical Trial are expected in late 2009 for arzoxifene to increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. Arzoxifene has been shown to reduce bone turnover/breakdown and is also being studied to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The drug significantly increased lumbar spine and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with normal or low bone mass, versus placebo. The third Phase 3 trial, GENERATIONS, is a five-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the effects of arzoxifene on vertebral fracture incidence and on invasive breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or with low bone density, with results expected in late 2009.
On 4/21/09, Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) announced the completion of patient enrollment for the registration study of Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) for the treatment of opiate dependence. ALKS expects topline results for the study during 4Q09 and plans to file a sNDA with the FDA during 2010 to expand the label of Vivitrol from its current indication in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
On 4/29/09, Rockwell Medical (NASDAQ:RMTI) announced the completion of patient enrollment in the Phase 2b study of SFP, which is a six-month, dose-ranging study in about 130 hemodialysis patients to determine the safety parameters and optimal SFP concentration to maintain normal levels of iron and hemoglobin. The Phase 2b trial should be completed by the end of September and data should be released about 60 days later, which should occur in late November or early December. The Phase 3 clinical trial for SFP should begin sometime during 4Q09-1Q10 and RMTI has guided for adequate cash flow and liquidity to reach this point without the need for raising cash. Click here to view or download my PDF stock profile report for RMTI from late April 2009.
On 5/7/09, Avanir Pharma (NASDAQ:AVNR) provided an update on its lead, Phase 3 compound called Zenvia (dextromethorphan + quinidine) AVNR completed target enrollment on 3/16/09 of patients into the STAR trial, which is a confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial of Zenvia in patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of pseudobulbar affect. The randomized, multi-center, international STAR trial is designed to compare the effects of Zenvia 30/10 mg, Zenvia 20/10 mg and placebo on the rates of involuntary crying and laughing episodes. The final number of patients exceeded the original target by approximately 20% allowing a larger safety database and increased statistical power for the study. AVNR affirmed guidance that top-line data from the confirmatory Phase 3 STAR trial is expected no later than September 2009.
On 5/11/09, Acadia Pharma (NASDAQ:ACAD) provided the following update along with its quarterly financial results: Enrollment was completed in the Company's first pivotal Phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) in early May 2009. Top-line results from this trial are expected to be reported by the end of the third quarter of 2009 (3Q09). ACAD is continuing to enroll patients in the second pivotal Phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with PDP. ACADIA also is continuing to conduct an open-label safety extension study pursuant to which eligible patients who have completed either of the two pivotal Phase 3 trials have the opportunity to enroll if, in the opinion of the physician, a patient may benefit from continued treatment with pimavanserin.
On 5/11/09, GTx Inc. (NASDAQ:GTXI) reported quarterly results and stated that is conducting a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating Acapodene (toremifene) 20 mg for the prevention of prostate cancer in men with high-grade pre-cancerous prostate lesions (high-grade PIN). The primary endpoint of the study is a reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer. GTXI anticipates reporting data for this Phase 3 study in late summer 2009 and will file a NDA with the FDA in late 2009 based upon a positive trial outcome. GTXI also has a pending NDA for toremifene 80 mg (standard 10-month review with FDA decision expected in late October) seeking approval for the prevention of bone fractures in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy.
On 5/28/09, Poniard Pharma (NASDAQ:PARD) announced updated clinical data from its randomized, controlled Phase 2 trial of picoplatin in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). The new data demonstrated that picoplatin, given once every four weeks in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the FOLPI regimen, and oxaliplatin, given in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the modified FOLFOX-6 regimen, have similar anti-tumor activity in the treatment of first-line metastatic CRC, as assessed by progression-free survival (PFS) and disease control measured by tumor response rate. New data derived by three independent assessments of neurotoxicity indicated a statistically significant reduction in neurotoxicities with the use of picoplatin. Overall survival data are expected 2H09 for this trial.
On 6/1/09, Raptor Pharma (RPTP.OB) announced that it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 2b clinical trial, conducted in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego ("UCSD"), to evaluate Raptor's proprietary delayed-release cysteamine bitartrate ("DR Cysteamine") capsules in nephropathic cystinosis ("cystinosis"), a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease. Under Raptor's open Investigational New Drug application ("IND"), UCSD is performing the Raptor-sponsored trial at its General Clinical Research Center. The Phase 2b clinical trial will enroll up to six cystinosis patients with a history of good compliance using the currently available immediate-release form of cysteamine bitartrate, the only drug cleared for marketing by the FDA and European Medicines Agency ("EMEA") to treat cystinosis. The clinical trial will evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of DR Cysteamine in patients. Data from the study are expected during 3Q09.
On 6/15/09, pSivida Corp. (NASDAQ:PSDV) announced that two newly-published peer reviewed scientific papers showed that Fluocinolone acetonide (FA) both inhibited VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) production and protected retinal cells and function (a neuroprotective effect). These findings support expanding the treatment indications for the Company's lead product, Iluvien, a miniaturized, injectable, sustained-release drug delivery system that releases FA directly into the eye. Iluvien is being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. Initial data from the 950-patient trials are expected to be reported by the end of 2009, with a NDA filing scheduled for early 2010.
On 6/15/09, Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ:AEZS) reported that patient follow-up in the open-label safety study (study 041) of its Phase 3 program in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with its lead endocrinology compound, cetrorelix pamoate, is scheduled to be completed at the end of the week. Therefore, data analysis and reporting will be brought forward from the scheduled fourth quarter into the third quarter of 2009, and will follow the disclosure of results from the first double-blind placebo controlled efficacy study (study 033). Cetrorelix is currently in three Phase 3 trials involving more than 1,600 patients with symptomatic BPH in Canada, the United States and Europe. First efficacy results are expected during 3Q09 with a NDA filing targeted in 2010.
On 6/17/09, BioMimetic Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BMTI) announced that it has submitted both the pre-clinical pharmacology/toxicology and quality/manufacturing modules of its Premarket Approval (PMA) application for marketing of Augment Bone Graft in the U.S. These are two of the three parts, or modules, required for a complete PMA application to the FDA. The Company intends to file the third and final module, containing the clinical data during 4Q09. On 5/7/09, BMTI announced that the Company completed enrollment in its Augment Bone Graft 436-patient North American pivotal clinical trial in foot and ankle fusions in December 2008 and is on track with patient follow-up. The Company expects to release top line data from the trial during 2H09.
On 7/3/09, Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) announced European Commission marketing authorization for Victoza (liraglutide) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. NVO will launch Victoza in Britain, Germany, and Denmark this summer and in other European markets during the remainder of 2009 and in 2010. Victoza is regarded as the most important compound in Novo's pipeline and a key FDA decision is still pending. The original PDUFA action date for the Company's pending Victoza NDA for type 2 diabetes was 3/23/09, but a FDA decision is still pending.
Victoza is used once-daily via subcutaneous injection, and the drug is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that works by stimulating insulin release when glucose levels become high. On 4/2/09, an FDA Advisory Panel stated liraglutide does not appear to carry heart risks, though serious questions remain about its possible links to tumors. Panelists were split, voting 6 to 6, on whether the drug should be approved in the face of evidence it caused cancerous thyroid tumors in rats and mice. The panel voted 8 to 5 in favor of the drug's cardiovascular safety profile.
On 7/6/09, Protalix BioTherapeutics (AMEX:PLX) announced that it was approached by the FDA and asked to consider submitting a treatment protocol for the use of prGCD in patients with Gaucher disease in order to address an expected shortage of the drug Cerezyme, a mammalian cell expressed version of glucocerebrosidase (GCD) and the only enzyme replacement therapy currently approved for Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is a rare and serious lysosomal storage disorder in humans with severe and debilitating symptoms. prGCD, the Company's lead product candidate, is a proprietary plant-cell expressed recombinant form of glucocerebrosidase and is currently the subject of a Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of Gaucher disease.
The FDA indicated to the Company that it believes the Company's development program for prGCD satisfies the regulatory criteria required to supply prGCD for expanded access to patients under a treatment protocol. PLX expects to submit a treatment protocol to the FDA for its review as a supplement to its current Investigational New Drug (IND) application for prGCD. PLX expects to report results of the Phase 3 trial during 2H09 and expects to submit a NDA for prGCD to the FDA and other global regulatory agencies during 4Q09.
On 7/7/09, Cell Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CTIC) announced that the EMEA has agreed to an oral explanation in support of the OPAXIO (paclitaxel poliglumex, CT-2103) Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in September 2009 extending the review for the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) opinion on European marketing approval until 4Q09. In April, 2008 the EMEA accepted for review the MAA for OPAXIO for first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are performance status 2, based on a non-inferior survival and improved side effect profile.
On 6/24/09, CTIC announced that it has completed the submission of the New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for pixantrone to treat relapsed or refractory, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). CTIC requested a six-month priority review, which if granted by the Agency would result in a possible FDA decision during 4Q09. The Company is now awaiting a likely mid to late August response from the FDA to accept the NDA filing, rule on the status of the priority review request, and issue a PDUFA action date for pixantrone.
On 7/22/09, Hemispherx Biopharma (AMEX:HEB) provided guidance that it does not expect a FDA decision on its Ampligen New Drug Application (NDA) until fall 2009. President/CEO Dr. William Carter said staffing problems at the FDA this year have resulted in the agency missing deadlines for final decisions on nearly two-thirds of NDAs under review. During a 7/22 conference call, Dr. Carter said HEB has been in contact with the FDA since May, has been regularly providing reports to different reviewers, and does not believe any additional documentation will be required by the Agency. Ampligen (Poly I: Poly C12U) is an experimental treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (which has no FDA-approved treatments) with Orphan Drug Status.
Bristol-Myers (NYSE:BMY) and AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) have a pending NDA for Onglyza (saxagliptin oral tablets), which is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme inhibitor for Type 2 Diabetes. On 4/1/09, the FDA panel voted 10 to 2 that the clinical data for the drug rule out the risk that the drug hastens heart attack, stroke and other problems. On 4/23/09, the FDA extended the PDUFA decision date by three months to 7/30/09.
United Therapeutics (NASDAQ:UTHR) announced on 4/28/09 that the FDA has extended the PDUFA action date for the Company's pending Tyvaso (inhaled treprostinil) NDA. The new PDUFA date is 7/30/09 and UTHR expected the delay (which was announced in a PR in mid-March) due to the submission of additional clinical trial data to the FDA, which was considered a major amendment by the agency. The additional data was related to human factors testing to validate the instructions for using the Optineb nebulizer device which delivers the medication.
On 6/16/09, a FDA Advisory Panel ruled that Savient Pharma's (NASDAQ:SVNT) experimental gout drug is safe and effective for certain patients with the disorder. SVNT is seeking FDA approval for the infused drug (Krystexxa) for those who have the painful type of arthritis, but fail to improve with first-line treatments or cannot tolerate other treatments. The FDA's panel of outside experts (in a 14-1 vote) ruled that the dramatic results in nearly half of the patients studied were encouraging, despite risks that could include serious heart problems and allergic reactions. In December, the FDA accepted the Company's BLA and granted priority review status, but SVNT submitted several key amendments for the BLA earlier this year in January. The FDA accepted the amendments and determined that the additional information constituted a major amendment and extended the original PDUFA decision date by three months to 8/1/09.
On 3/12/09, Endo Pharma's (NASDAQ:ENDP) majority-owned subsidiary Indevus Pharma announced that the FDA accepted for review the complete response submission to the NDA for Nebido (testosterone undecanoate) intramuscular injection, an investigational testosterone preparation for the treatment of male hypogonadism. The FDA is targeting 9/2/09 as the PDUFA action date for a possible decision on the NDA. Nebido is a long-lasting injection designed to treat hypogonadism, a hormonal condition that interferes with the functioning of the testes. The drug is already approved in Europe, where it is marketed by BayerSchering.
On 7/8/09, Spectrum Pharma (NASDAQ:SPPI) submitted a formal response to the Complete Response Letter (CRL) it received from the FDA 7/2/09 regarding its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Zevalin (ibritumomab tiuxetan) in the first-line consolidation setting for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) patients. Zevalin is currently FDA approved and marketed by SPPI for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular B-cell NHL, including patients who have rituximab-refractory follicular NHL. The FDA requested the Company to submit data files from the FIT study to support and verify a subset of the data that are currently under review to support the proposed labeling. On 7/20/09, SPPI announced that the FDA accepted the Company's CRL resubmission for filing as a Class 1 (60-day) review with a new PDUFA action date of 9/7/09 (which falls on Labor Day, so a decision is more likely to be announced on Tuesday 9/8).
The FDA accepted Spectrum Pharma's supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for FUSILEV (levoleucovorin) for Injection on 3/26/09 in combination with 5-FU containing regimens in advanced metastatic colorectal cancer. The user fee goal (PDUFA) date for the sNDA is October 8, 2009. The FDA approved FUSILEV on March 7, 2008 for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma. FUSILEV is also indicated to diminish the toxicity and counteract the effects of impaired methotrexate elimination and of inadvertent overdosage of folic acid antagonists.
On 4/24/09, the FDA accepted as complete for review Theravance's (NASDAQ:THRX) response to the Agency's February 2009 Complete Response Letter (CRL), which outlined requirements for approval of telavancin for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI). Telavancin is a novel, bactericidal, once-daily injectable investigational antibiotic studied in the treatment of cSSSI and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The FDA assigned a PDUFA action date of 9/16/09 for approval of telavancin in the treatment of cSSSI.
On 4/6/09, the FDA Accepted Theravance's NDA for Telavancin as a once-daily injectable antibiotic for the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), including MRSA strains of antibiotic-resistant and other Gram-positive bacteria. The FDA has established a goal of a standard 10-month review of the telavancin NDA, resulting in PDUFA decision date deadline of 11/26/09 and triggering a milestone payment of $10M from THRX partner, Astellas Pharma (ALPMF.PK).
Allos Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ALTH) filed a NDA on 3/25/09 with the FDA for pralatrexate in the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). ALTH received a priority (six-month) review designation on 5/26/09 with a PDUFA decision date of 9/24/09. PTCL comprises a biologically diverse group of hematologic malignancies that typically has a worse prognosis than other types of lymphoma and is less responsive to traditional chemotherapy regimens. There are currently no agents approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with PTCL.
Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) has a pending BLA for denosumab with a PDUFA action date of 10/19/09 for a possible FDA decision. On 6/22/09, the FDA announced that Amgen's experimental osteoporosis drug denosumab (proposed brand name Prolia) will be revied by an Advisory Panel at a meeting on 8/13/09. The FDA Advisory Panel will discuss the Company's proposed uses of (1) treating and preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and (2) treating and preventing bone loss in patients undergoing hormone ablation therapy for prostate and breast cancer.
On 7/7/09, AMGN announced that a pivotal, Phase 3, head-to-head trial evaluating denosumab versus Zometa (zoledronic acid) in the treatment of bone metastases in 2,049 patients with advanced breast cancer met its primary and secondary endpoints and demonstrated superior efficacy compared to Zometa. Superiority was demonstrated for both delaying the time to the first on-study Skeletal Related Events, and delaying the time to the first-and-subsequent SREs. Both results were statistically significant.
On 7/15/09, Cadence Pharma (NASDAQ:CADX) announced that its New Drug Application (NDA) for Acetavance (intravenous acetaminophen), its investigational product candidate for the treatment of acute pain and fever in adults and children, has been accepted for filing by the FDA and designated for a priority (six-month) review. The FDA has issued a PDUFA action date for the NDA of 11/13/09 for a possible decision by the Agency.
GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) and XenoPort (NASDAQ:XNPT) have a pending NDA for Solzira (gabapentin enacarbil) seeking approval for the treatment of moderate to severe restless leg syndrome with an early November PDUFA action date for a possible FDA decision.
On 6/8/09, Dyax Corp. (NASDAQ:DYAX) announced that the FDA accepted the Company's submission in response to the FDA's March 2009 Complete Response Letter (CRL), which outlined requirements for approval of DX-88 for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). In connection with the acceptance, the FDA assigned Dyax's BLA a new PDUFA action date of 12/1/09, which represents a six-month, Class 2 Review. In the CRL received 3/25/09, the FDA requested submission of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and additional information with respect to the chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) section of the BLA. Dyax believes these issues are fully addressed in its reply, which was submitted 6/1/09.
On 6/19/09, BioElectronics (BIEL.PK) announced a corporate update, including the filing of two applications with the FDA earlier in the week. The first of these was for 510(k) marketing clearance for its Allay Menstrual Pain Relief Patch product seeking OTC marketing clearance and an indication for pain reduction associated with dysmenorrhea (period pain and cramps). The second FDA filing was for a reclassification of the Company's technologies from Class III to Class II.
The Company will conduct a conference call on 7/28/09 to discuss the results of a recently completed clinical study and to discuss the status of current FDA filings and additional FDA filings expected to occur over the coming weeks, including one for general plastic surgery recovery and one for foot/ankle/plantar fasciitis. After the general musculoskeletal disorder study is completed the Company expects to file an additional application covering all musculoskeletal disorders. On 6/15/09, BIEL announced that it is filing an application with the FDA for 510(k) clearance to market its Allay Menstrual Pain Relief Patch product. The Allay Menstrual Pain Relief Patch is drug-free and is based on Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, which applies advanced semiconductor and micro-battery technologies into a very small form factor that has been packaged into a wafer thin patch that can be worn directly on the skin.
A high risk/reward trading approach to consider for speculative traders is investing a small amount of money that you can afford to lose in a basket of stocks included in Extreme FDA and Clinical Trial Calendar Trades, which are highlighted in periodic articles at BioMedReports. Another approach is to buy a basket of stocks well ahead of their expected binary events before the trading crowd arrives and causes an increase in the share price and trading volume.
As with previous installments, this article is neither an endorsement of the companies profiled nor a complete list of extreme trades included in the FDA Calendar at BioMedReports. Keep in mind that the FDA does not issue PDUFA decision date deadlines for medical device applications, which consist of the 510(k) and pre-market notification application (PMA) routes. Click here for more info at the FDA website regarding the regulatory approval process for medical devices.
Ereska is a non-opiate pain drug being developed by (1) Javelin Pharma (AMEX:JAV)($1.90) for the acute treatment of moderate to severe pain in military, trauma, post-operative, and emergency room settings with the potential for treating breakthrough pain from cancer as well. The drug is delivered by a disposable manual pump with a rapid onset and duration of pain relief of about two hours without opiate side effects such as respiratory depression. JAV expects to release the primary endpoint data from the Ereska (intranasal ketamine) Phase 3 pivotal trial in mid-2009, which consists of 220 adult patients to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of acute pain (arising from surgery, trauma, or injury).
On 5/7/09, (2) Avanir Pharma (NASDAQ:AVNR) ($2.15) provided an update on its lead, Phase 3 compound called Zenvia (dextromethorphan + quinidine) AVNR completed target enrollment on 3/16/09 of patients into the STAR trial, which is a confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial of Zenvia in patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of pseudobulbar affect. The randomized, multi-center, international STAR trial is designed to compare the effects of Zenvia 30/10 mg, Zenvia 20/10 mg and placebo on the rates of involuntary crying and laughing episodes. The final number of patients exceeded the original target by approximately 20% allowing a larger safety database and increased statistical power for the study. AVNR affirmed guidance that top-line data from the confirmatory Phase 3 STAR trial is expected no later than September 2009.
On 5/11/09, (3) Acadia Pharma (NASDAQ:ACAD) ($4.07) provided the following update along with its quarterly financial results: Enrollment was completed in the Company's first pivotal Phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) in early May 2009. Top-line results from this trial are expected to be reported by the end of the third quarter of 2009 (3Q09). ACAD is continuing to enroll patients in the second pivotal Phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with PDP. ACADIA also is continuing to conduct an open-label safety extension study pursuant to which eligible patients who have completed either of the two pivotal Phase 3 trials have the opportunity to enroll if, in the opinion of the physician, a patient may benefit from continued treatment with pimavanserin.
On 3/9/09, (4) Angiotech Pharma (NASDAQ:ANPI) ($1.68) presented complete data for the Bio-Seal study at the 2009 Society of Interventional Radiology in San Diego, CA. The trial hit its primary end point with clinical success in 85% of the treatment patients compared to 69% for the control patients (p=0.002). Based on info in the Company's 10Q filing on 5/8/09, data from this clinical trial study has been submitted to the FDA, which has responded to the submission with additional questions about the study. ANPI has responded to the FDA and upon further review by the agency, ANPI may either receive 510(k) clearance to market Bio-Seal in the U.S. or be required to respond to additional questions or conduct additional clinical studies. The product has already received CE Mark approval for marketing in Europe. The Bio-Seal Lung Biopsy Tract Plug System is a novel technology designed to prevent air leaks in patients having lung biopsies by plugging the biopsy track with an expanding hydrogel plug. On contact with moist tissue, the hydrogel plug absorbs fluids and expands to fill the void created by the biopsy needle puncture.
On 6/19/09, (5) BioElectronics (BIEL.PK) ($0.056) announced a corporate update, including the filing of two applications with the FDA earlier in the week. The first of these was for 510(k) marketing clearance for its Allay Menstrual Pain Relief Patch product seeking OTC marketing clearance and an indication for pain reduction associated with dysmenorrhea (period pain and cramps). The second FDA filing was for a reclassification of the Company's technologies from Class III to Class II. On 6/15/09, BIEL announced that it is filing an application with the FDA for 510(k) clearance to market its Allay Menstrual Pain Relief Patch product. The Allay Menstrual Pain Relief Patch is drug-free and is based on Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, which applies advanced semiconductor and micro-battery technologies into a very small form factor that has been packaged into a wafer thin patch that can be worn directly on the skin.
On 7/29/09, BIEL.PK announced that preliminary data on a heel and foot pain study show strong efficacy and 100% safety using the ActiPatch device. The study also showed study participants were able to significantly reduce their use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinical studies in the areas of breast augmentation, Cesarean section, Uveitis, and several areas of surgical recovery are quickly coming to a close with data expected over the coming months. With the data provided by the Genecov study, the management team plans to accelerate its FDA 510(k) pre-marketing clearance filing for general musculoskeletal complaints designed to lead to over-the-counter approval. In addition, the Company will soon submit an additional application of 510(k) pre-marketing clearance for general surgical recovery.
On 5/15/09, (6) INVO BioScience (IVOB.OB) ($0.10) provided the following update on obtaining FDA marketing clearance for its fertility technology. INVO technology assists infertile couples in having a baby. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective treatment option for most infertile couples, and the Company's patented and proven INVOcell technology is a low cost alternative to IVF that is much simpler to perform. INVO uses a device, the INVOcell, which is currently priced at $75-225 to distributors in developing countries and $125-300 in Europe and U.S. While IVOB penetrates the infertility markets in Europe, Canada, and select developing countries, the Company has also completed the first step for medical device companies who manufacture Class 2 devices with the filing of a Premarket Notification 510 (k) submission with the FDA. Technically, the FDA does not "approve" Class 1 and 2 medical devices for sale in the U.S. as the Agency issues "clearance" for them to be sold and marketed. IVOB hopes to receive U.S. marketing clearance by 2010 upon completion of its clinical trial.
On 5/12/09, (7) Pharmos (PARS.PK) ($0.40) reported 1Q09 results and announced that it advanced a Phase IIb trial of its lead non-serotonergic compound, dextofisopam, in female irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The Phase IIb trial was fully enrolled on 4/9/09 at 324 patients. All patients in the trial are expected to complete treatment by mid-2009 and top-line results are expected in early September 2009.
On 5/15/09, (8) Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) ($4.34) announced that enrollment has been completed in the second Phase II clinical trial of its trivalent virus-like particle (VLP) seasonal influenza vaccine. This Phase IIa randomized, placebo-controlled study is evaluating a VLP vaccine against the H3N2, H1N1, and B influenza strains that circulated in the 2008-2009 influenza season. This clinical trial represents another step in the development of Novavax's VLP seasonal influenza vaccine, allowing further evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of a broad range of vaccine doses against a new set of influenza strains. As announced in December of 2008, the first Phase II study evaluated a trivalent VLP vaccine against the seasonal influenza strains that circulated in the 2005-2006 influenza season.
Specifically, this new study is evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of the 2008-2009 influenza vaccine in approximately 220 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 49 years. Subjects have received a single injection of either a placebo or the VLP vaccine at doses of 15 mcg or 60 mcg per strain. The results of this study will be used to help select a dose for further evaluation in a clinical trial involving adults 65 years of age and older later this year and in a subsequent Phase III efficacy study. The completion of enrollment keeps NVAX on track for reporting top-line data for the 2008-2009 vaccine during 3Q09 and selecting a dose for a Phase II trial in older adults later in 2009.
On 7/27/09, (9) Neoprobe (NEOP.OB) ($1.30) announced the Company will receive $3.5 million from a warrant exercise by Montaur Life Sciences with the proceeds being used to complete the development of Lymphoseek and to prepare for the commencement of a new Phase 3 evaluation of the Company's RIGS technology in colorectal cancer. Lymphoseek is a proprietary radioactive tracing agent being developed for use in connection with gamma detection devices in a surgical procedure known as Intraoperative Lymphatic Mapping. A Phase 3 multi-center clinical trial for Lymphoseek in patients with breast cancer or melanoma has been successfully completed and a protocol for a second Phase 3 clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Lymphoseek as a sentinel lymph node tracing agent in patients with head and neck cancer has been initiated at clinical sites.
Neoprobe has successfully completed a Phase 3 evaluation of Lymphoseek in breast cancer and melanoma patients and the warrant exercise affords the resources to complete the Lymphoseek development program and to prepare and submit the regulatory submissions to secure marketing clearances for Lymphoseek from FDA and EMEA. The RIGS system is a proprietary technology that utilizes tumor specific radiolabeled antibodies that localize to disease involved tissue and where the tissue is identified during the course of a patient's cancer surgery. Neoprobe is initiating manufacturing initiatives for the RIGS technology consistent with the most recent favorable scientific advice assessment received from the EMEA while awaiting a review of the RIGS program by FDA.
On 6/1/09, (10) GenVec (NASDAQ:GNVC) ($0.80) announced that overall survival data in locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients treated with TNFerade in GenVec's ongoing Phase 3 Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial with TNFerade (PACT) were presented at ASCO. The analysis concluded that TNFerade appeared to be safe and well-tolerated, indicating a 25% reduction in the risk of death in the TNFerade plus standard-of-care (SOC) arm compared to the patients receiving SOC alone. In the SOC patients, 75% of the patients died within approximately 11.8 months. However, in the TNFerade plus SOC group, 75% of the patients did not die until approximately 19.4 months. GenVec's PACT trial is a multi-center, randomized, active, and controlled study of 330 patients designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TNFerade plus standard of care versus standard of care alone in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The next interim analysis is expected to occur after two-thirds of the events (or 184 deaths) have occurred in the trial. Results are expected to be announced in early 2010.
On 6/1/09, (11) Antigenics (NASDAQ:AGEN) ($2.19) announced results of an interim analysis from the Company's ongoing global patient survival registry, which showed that patients with kidney cancer at intermediate risk of disease recurrence demonstrated an approximately 46% lower risk of death when treated with Oncophage (vitespen) cancer vaccine compared with observation (n = 362; P = 0.036; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.54). The interim analysis from the patient registry, INSPIRE, reflects a median follow-up of 4.5 years from the largest, randomized Phase 3 kidney cancer trial ever completed to date in the adjuvant setting. The patient registry was launched in order to confirm encouraging overall survival trends observed from the Phase 3 non-metastatic kidney cancer study. Final results from INSPIRE are expected mid-2010. In October 2008, AGEN submitted a marketing authorization application to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) requesting conditional approval for Oncophage in earlier-stage, localized renal cell carcinoma. AGEN expects a decision on its European marketing application by late 2009 and the Company has not yet filed for U.S. marketing approval with the FDA.
On 6/15/09, (12) Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ:AEZS) ($2.62) reported that patient follow-up in the open-label safety study (study 041) of its Phase 3 program in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with its lead endocrinology compound, cetrorelix pamoate, is scheduled to be completed at the end of the week. Therefore, data analysis and reporting will be brought forward from the scheduled fourth quarter into the third quarter of 2009, and will follow the disclosure of results from the first double-blind placebo controlled efficacy study (study 033). Cetrorelix is currently in three Phase 3 trials involving more than 1,600 patients with symptomatic BPH in Canada, the United States and Europe. First efficacy results are expected during 3Q09 with a NDA filing targeted in 2010. AEZS has also announced recently that patients completing two years of therapy with cetrorelix in the first efficacy study (study 033), will be eligible to continue with the cetrorelix treatment, according to treatment regimen of the ongoing Phase 3 study, until the end of 2011.
On 6/17/09, (13) BioSante Pharma (NASDAQ:BPAX) ($1.83) announced that based upon a review of study conduct and blinded data from the LibiGel Phase 3 Cardiovascular and Breast Cancer Safety Study, the LibiGel Safety Study External Executive Committee has recommended continuation of the LibiGel Phase 3 clinical program. A very low cardiovascular event rate has occurred thus far in the clinical trials. The Executive Committee evaluated study information from over 1,000 women enrolled totaling approximately 600 women-years of exposure in the Phase 3 LibiGel safety study. BPAX stated that its objective is to submit a NDA for FDA approval of LibiGel in late 2010 or early 2011 for the proposed treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in menopausal women after the expected completion of the Phase 3 studies by mid-to-late 2010. In addition to the Phase 3 cardiovascular and breast cancer safety study, BPAX is conducting two LibiGel Phase 3 efficacy trials.
The Phase 3 efficacy trials of LibiGel in the treatment of FSD are double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that will enroll up to approximately 500 surgically menopausal women each for a six-month clinical trial. The efficacy trials are being conducted under an FDA approved SPA (special protocol assessment agreement). (14) Antares (AMEX:AIS) has a mid-single digit royalty percentage and milestone sharing rights in the U.S. AND exclusive marketing rights in Europe and elsewhere since LibiGel is based on the Company's Advanced Transdermal Delivery (ATD) gel technology.
On 7/7/09, (15) CEL-SCI Corp. (AMEX:CVM) ($0.50) provided the following updates in a letter to shareholders. The Company's three business units include: (1) Vaccines/treatment: H1N1 (swine) and other influenza viruses, as well as a vaccine for rheumatoid arthritis; (2) Late-stage non-toxic cancer immunotherapy, Multikine, designed to make the first cancer treatment more successful; and (3) Unique contract manufacturing services using new manufacturing facility. CVM recently completed its $22 million manufacturing facility, which is expected to be validated within the next 3 months (i.e. early October 2009) for the manufacture of Multikine for the Company's pending Phase III trial and subsequent sale if approved for marketing.
CVM stated that the validation of this facility is a critical step to starting the pivotal Phase 3 trial for Multikine. CVM stated that the Phase 3 study protocol was designed in consultation with the FDA and is expected to enroll about 800 patients to assess overall patient survival as the primary outcome. The Company also stated that the FDA has granted Multikine Orphan Drug status in the USA, and (if the Phase 3 study is successful) Multikine would be on course to become the recommended first-line treatment for head and neck cancer. On 6/30/09, CVM announced that it completed a registered direct offering under which it raised gross proceeds of $5.85 million.
On 7/8/09, (16) Transdel Pharma (TDLP.OB) ($1.40) announced the successful completion of patient enrollment in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical study for Ketotransdel, which is a topical cream based non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the treatment of acute pain. As previously announced, TDLP.OB expects to report the top-line results from this Phase 3 trial later in 3Q09. The multi-center trial is being conducted at about 30 sites in the U.S. and has enrolled over 350 patients. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in pain intensity as measured by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during daily activities over the past 24 hours at Day 3. The Company also stated that it is either engaged in or pursuing discussions with U.S. and foreign based potential partners with sales and marketing infrastructures to support Ketotransdel in the event that the product is approved and commercialized.
On 7/15/09, (17) Health Enhancement Products (HEPI.OB) ($0.44) announced preliminary results of its study to confirm the efficacy of the ProAlgaZyme (PAZ) (a liquid product drawn from living algae grown in purified water) bioactive compound in managing LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. The Company awarded a grant on 3/30/09 to the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of Wayne State University (WSU), which ranks among the nation's top 50 public universities engaged in basic and applied biomedical research by the National Science Foundation. The WSU study confirmed that the PAZ organic compound was found to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels from 131.7mg/dL to 79.57mg/dL and improve HDL (good) cholesterol from 105.27mg/dL to 138.67mg/dL in test animals (hamsters).
Upon completion of the study, WSU will publish a scientific paper describing the final results, as well as the means and methods employed, to be authored by the principal investigator, Smiti Gupta, Ph.D., assistant professor of Nutrition and Food Science at WSU. The cholesterol findings are initial results of a larger study, which also includes investigating the effect of PAZ organic compounds on the management of generalized inflammation. Those results are pending and will be released as they are completed by WSU.
On 7/20/09, (18) Labopharm (NASDAQ:DDSS) ($1.99) announced it has received a complete response letter (CRL) from the FDA for its new drug application (NDA) for a novel formulation (rapid onset) of the antidepressant trazodone (DDS-04A). The CRL indicates the Company's application cannot be approved in its present form due to deficiencies following an FDA inspection of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility, which was completed 7/3/09. No efficacy or safety issues were raised by the Agency for the NDA. The API manufacturer, Gruppo Angelini, has informed DDSS that it can confirm that the observations raised by the FDA are not critical and that it has not been questioned about the continued supply of trazodone to the U.S. market.
On 7/29/09, DDSS confirmed that Gruppo Angelini submitted a plan to the FDA addressing issues at a production plant raised in the Agency's CRL. The next step is for the FDA to accept the resubmission and issue either a Class I (60-day) or Class II (six-month) review period for a decision on the NDA. DDSS will host a conference call on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss its second quarter 2009 financial results. Labopharm will report its second quarter 2009 financial results via news release at approximately 7:00 a.m. the same day.
On 4/14/09, (19) Marshall Edwards (NASDAQ:MSHL) ($0.76) announced that it will be undertaking an un-blinded analysis of the data from its Phase 3 clinical trial known as OVATURE (OVArian TUmor REsponse). On 6/17/09, Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) created to oversee the conduct of the OVATURE Trial announced that completion of data collection and database lock will likely require a further six months for analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint of Progression Free Survival. Per the study protocol, the secondary endpoint, overall survival, cannot be analyzed until 18 months after the last patient was randomized, or sooner if there are no patients surviving. The Company decided to conduct an un-blinded analysis of the data in order to assess the clinical and commercial opportunities for phenoxodiol and to enable the continuing funding from current resources.
Phenoxodiol is being developed by MSHL as a chemo-sensitizing agent in combination with platinum drugs for late-stage, chemo-resistant ovarian cancer and as a mono-therapy for prostate and cervical cancers. MSHL is majority owned (71.3%) by (20) Novogen (NASDAQ: NVGN) ($3.10), an Australian biotechnology company that is specializing in the development of therapeutics based on a flavonoid technology platform. The Company intends to allocate its current funds of approximately $23 million to completing the OVATURE data analysis of 142 patients, pursuing negotiations for out-licensing phenoxodiol should evidence of efficacy and safety emerge from the OVATURE analysis, maintaining other ongoing phenoxodiol ovarian and prostate cancer clinical trials, initiating the triphendiol clinical program, and in-licensing further promising anti-cancer compounds from Novogen.
On 7/31/09, (21) Advanced Life Sciences (ADLS.OB) ($0.48) announced that it received a complete response letter (CRL) from the FDA for the Company's New Drug Application (NDA) for Restanza (cethromycin) for the outpatient treatment of adults with mild-to-moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP). ADLS.OB will continue to pursue approval of Restanza in CAP and believes that an additional well-controlled clinical study designed to demonstrate efficacy in a more severe CAP population will likely be required for the approval of Restanza. In parallel, the Company will continue to advance Restanza as a bio-defense agent against anthrax, plague and tularemia.
On 6/2/09, the FDA Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee voted that Restanza demonstrated safety for the outpatient treatment of adults with mild-to-moderate CAP, but voted that Restanza did not demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of CAP. ADLS.OB is moving expeditiously to develop a protocol for an additional Phase 3 trial that is designed to satisfy the FDA's request for additional efficacy information and expects to start the additional Phase 3 program during 1H10. On 7/31/09, ADLS.OB announced that it expects to report key data from the Company's ongoing pivotal studies in plague and tularemia by the end of 2009. ADLS.OB plans to submit an NDA amendment seeking marketing approval for the bio-defense indications during 1Q10.
On 7/30/09, (22) Anadys Pharma (NASDAQ:ANDS) ($2.67) announced finalization of the protocol for the Company's Phase 2 trial of ANA598 in combination with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin in hepatitis C patients. Allowance of the protocol has been received from the FDA and patient dosing is expected to commence within the next several weeks. In the Phase 2 study, naive genotype 1 patients will receive ANA598 or placebo in combination with Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) and Copegus (ribavirin, USP) (a current standard of care, or SOC) for 12 weeks at dose levels of 200 mg or 400 mg twice daily (bid), each with a loading dose of 800 mg bid on day one. After week 12, patients will continue to receive SOC. Patients who achieve undetectable levels of virus at weeks 4 and 12 will be randomized to stop all treatment at week 24 or 48.
The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of patients with undetectable virus at week 12 (defined as complete Early Virological Response, or cEVR). Additional endpoints include safety and tolerability as well as the proportion of patients with undetectable virus at week 4 (defined as Rapid Virological Response, or RVR), weeks 24 and 48, and 24 weeks after stopping all treatment (defined as Sustained Virological Response, or SVR). Ninety patients are planned to be enrolled in this study - thirty patients receiving ANA598 and fifteen receiving placebo at each dose level. Anadys expects to receive 28-day safety and response (RVR) data from the 200 mg dose level by year-end 2009 and additional on-treatment safety and response data from both cohorts during the first two quarters of 2010.
(23) EnteroMedics (NASDAQ:ETRM) ($3.31) is developing implantable systems to treat obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders. VBLOC Therapy intermittently blocks nerve signaling between the brain and stomach over the vagus nerves using high-frequency, low-energy electrical impulses. The vagus nerves are known to control digestive functions including food processing and feelings of hunger and fullness. The effect of VBLOC Therapy has been demonstrated in early clinical trials, where patients reported reduced time to feelings of fullness at meals, as well as reduced feelings of hunger between meals out to six months with resultant reduced calorie intake.
Clinical weight loss results reported to date include mean excess weight loss of 28.1% for the first 17 patients to reach 12 months of therapy and 37.6% for the first 9 patients to reach 18 months in a 38 patient feasibility study. The EMPOWER study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal clinical trial that reached its target enrollment of 294 patients in September 2008 under an FDA-approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) for the clinical trial. ETRM expects to report top-line results from the study during 4Q09, which will be used for a Premarket Approval (PMA) Class III medical device submission to the FDA for marketing clearance and is currently recruiting patients outside of the U.S. for a feasibility study examining the effects of VBLOC Therapy on blood glucose levels in diabetics.
On 7/23/09, (24) Columbia Labs (NASDAQ:CBRX) ($1.19) announced that the Company signed an agreement with PharmaBio Development, Inc. under which Columbia can extend its final royalty payment on sales of Striant (testosterone buccal system) from November 2010 to November 2011. The final payment is estimated at approximately $16.4 million. CBRX stated that the deal will allow the Company to focus its energy on the PREGNANT Study, which is a Phase 3 clinical trial of Prochieve 8% for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a short cervix at mid-pregnancy. CBRX expects to complete enrollment by late 2009, report results in mid-2010 and, if the results are positive, obtain FDA approval in mid-2011.
On 7/23/09, (25) Aradigm (ARDM.OB) ($0.204) announced it received clearance from the FDA for its inhaled liposomal ciprofloxacin Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The initial clinical protocol under this IND is an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b study designed to evaluate the Company's inhaled liposomal ciprofloxacin in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (BE). This orphan drug condition is a chronic severe respiratory disease and there is currently no drug specifically approved for its treatment in the U.S. The Phase 2b study will enroll 96 patients and the primary efficacy endpoint will be the change from baseline in the sputum Pseudomonas Aeruginosa colony forming units following once-daily dosing of two different dose levels vs. placebo for a four-week treatment period. Secondary endpoints will include quality of life measurements and improvement of outcomes with respect to exacerbations. Lung function changes will be monitored for safety.
(26) Vion Pharma (VION.OB) ($2.20) has a pending NDA for Onrigin (laromustine) Injection (formerly known as Cloretazine or VNP40101M) seeking approval as a single agent for remission induction treatment for patients age 60 and older with de novo poor-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The NDA will receive a standard (10-month) review by the FDA with a PDUFA action date of 12/12/09 for a possible FDA decision.
On 6/9/09, (27) Santarus (NASDAQ:SNTS) ($3.14) announced that Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. has submitted its response to the FDA complete response letter (CRL) for an over-the-counter (OTC) Zegerid branded omeprazole + sodium bicarbonate product with the dosage strength of 20 mg of omeprazole. Schering-Plough received the complete response letter in January 2009 for its New Drug Application (NDA) seeking approval to sell Zegerid in the U.S. OTC heartburn market. The NDA for OTC Zegerid was submitted by Schering-Plough in March 2008 under the terms of a license agreement signed in October 2006 for OTC proton pump inhibitor products using Santarus' proprietary technology. If Schering-Plough receives FDA approval of its NDA for an OTC Zegerid product, SNTS will earn a $20 million regulatory milestone upon approval, a low double-digit royalty on net sales of OTC Zegerid, and may receive up to an additional $37.5 million in sales milestones.
On 4/6/09, SNTS filed NDA for a new tablet formulation to add to its ZEGERID family of branded prescription pharmaceutical products with an expected FDA decision during late 4Q09. In connection with the FDA's acceptance for filing of the NDA for a new tablet formulation, Santarus is providing notice to the NDA holder for Prilosec (omeprazole) delayed-release capsules and related patent holders that the new tablet formulation does not infringe the patents listed in the Orange Book for Prilosec or that those patents are invalid.
On 7/1/09, (28) CombinatoRx (NASDAQ:CRXX) ($0.87) and Neuromed Pharma (privately held) announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which CRXX and Neuromed will merge in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, CRXX is expected to issue approximately 36 million new shares of its common stock to Neuromed stockholders with each party owning approximately 50% of the voting power of the merged organization upon closing. Relative ownership of CRXX will then be adjusted based upon the outcome of a FDA review for Neuromed's New Drug Application (NDA) product candidate, Exalgo (a once-daily, extended-release oral formulation of the opiate pain drug hydromorphone).
On 7/22/09, (29) Hemispherx Biopharma (AMEX:HEB) ($2.13) provided guidance that it does not expect a FDA decision on its Ampligen New Drug Application (NDA) until fall 2009. President/CEO Dr. William Carter said staffing problems at the FDA this year have resulted in the agency missing deadlines for final decisions on nearly two-thirds of NDAs under review. During a 7/22 conference call, Dr. Carter said HEB has been in contact with the FDA since May, has been regularly providing reports to different reviewers, and does not believe any additional documentation will be required by the Agency. Ampligen (Poly I: Poly C12U) is an experimental treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (which has no FDA-approved treatments) with Orphan Drug Status.
On 7/29/09, (30) Cell Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CTIC) ($1.48) announced that it was notified by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) that pixantrone is eligible to be submitted for a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) through the EMEA's centralized procedure. The centralized review process provides for a single coordinated review for approval of pharmaceutical products that is conducted by the EMEA on behalf of all European Union member states. The EMEA also designated pixantrone as a New Active Substance, which would be eligible for a 10-year market exclusivity period in EU member states upon approval. CTIC will request a meeting with the EMEA to discuss the submission of the MAA for pixantrone to treat aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the EU member states.
On 7/7/09, CTIC announced that the EMEA has agreed to an oral explanation in support of the OPAXIO (paclitaxel poliglumex, CT-2103) Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in September 2009 extending the review for the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) opinion on European marketing approval until 4Q09. In April, 2008 the EMEA accepted for review the MAA for OPAXIO for first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are performance status 2, based on a non-inferior survival and improved side effect profile.
On 6/24/09, CTIC announced that it has completed the submission of the New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for pixantrone to treat relapsed or refractory, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). CTIC requested a six-month priority review, which if granted by the Agency would result in a possible FDA decision during 4Q09. The Company is now awaiting a likely mid to late August response from the FDA to accept the NDA filing, rule on the status of the priority review request, and issue a PDUFA action date for pixantrone.
Conference Call Scheduled for Today, September 1, at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ACAD) today announced top-line results from the first pivotal Phase III trial with pimavanserin in patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis, or PDP.
The study did not meet its primary endpoint of antipsychotic efficacy as measured using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, or SAPS. Pimavanserin met the key secondary endpoint of motoric tolerability as measured using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, or UPDRS. Pimavanserin was safe and well tolerated, with the frequency of adverse events generally similar in the pimavanserin and placebo arms.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals is down $4.05 to $1.78 in pre-open trading on the news.
The primary endpoint of the study was the mean change in SAPS scores at day 42 compared to baseline for each of the two pimavanserin treatment arms versus placebo. Patients showed marked improvements in the SAPS scores across all study arms. Mean reductions in SAPS scores were 5.9 points in the placebo arm, 5.8 points in the 10 mg pimavanserin arm, and 6.7 points in the 40 mg pimavanserin arm. Statistical significance was not achieved in either pimavanserin arm primarily due to the larger than expected improvement in placebo-treated patients.
"While we obviously are disappointed with the results of this Phase III study, we continue to believe in the potential of pimavanserin based on our clinical experience to date," said Uli Hacksell, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of ACADIA. "We will thoroughly analyze these data along with the data on other secondary and exploratory endpoints over the next month to better understand the outcome of this study. Meanwhile, we are continuing with the second Phase III PDP trial with pimavanserin."
Trial Design
The Phase III trial was a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pimavanserin in patients with PDP. A total of 298 patients were enrolled in the trial and randomized to one of three study arms, including two different doses of pimavanserin (10 mg or 40 mg) and placebo. Patients received oral doses of either pimavanserin or placebo once daily for six weeks. Patients remained on stable doses of their existing anti-Parkinson's therapy throughout the study. The primary endpoint was antipsychotic efficacy as measured using the hallucinations and delusions domains of the SAPS. The key secondary endpoint was motoric tolerability as measured using Parts II and III of the UPDRS.
About Pimavanserin
Pimavanserin is a 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist in Phase III development as a treatment for Parkinson's disease psychosis. This new chemical entity, which was discovered by ACADIA, is a small molecule that can be taken orally as a tablet once-a-day. ACADIA and Biovail have formed a collaboration to co-develop and commercialize pimavanserin for neurological and psychiatric indications, including Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) and Alzheimer's disease psychosis (ADP), in the United States and Canada. ACADIA retains rights to pimavanserin in the rest of the world.
About Parkinson's Disease Psychosis
According to the National Parkinson Foundation, over 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease. Up to 40 percent of patients with Parkinson's disease may develop psychotic symptoms, commonly consisting of visual hallucinations and delusions. Currently there is no therapy in the United States approved to treat PDP. The development of psychosis in patients with Parkinson's disease is associated with increased caregiver burden, nursing home placement, and increased mortality.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
ACADIA will host a conference call and webcast today, September 1, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the top-line results from the first pivotal Phase III trial with pimavanserin in patients with PDP. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 866-713-8564 for participants in the U.S. or Canada and 617-597-5312 for international callers (reference passcode 15968327). A telephone replay of the conference call may be accessed through September 15, 2009 by dialing 888-286-8010 for callers in the U.S. or Canada and 617-801-6888 for international callers (reference passcode 88296469). The conference call also will be webcast live on ACADIA's website, www.acadia-pharm.com, under the investors section and will be archived there until September 15.
About ACADIA Pharmaceuticals
ACADIA is a biopharmaceutical company utilizing innovative technology to fuel drug discovery and clinical development of novel treatments for central nervous system disorders. ACADIA's product candidates include pimavanserin in Phase III for Parkinson's disease psychosis in collaboration with Biovail, a product candidate in Phase II for chronic pain and a product candidate in Phase I for glaucoma, both in collaboration with Allergan, as well as additional compounds in IND-track development. All of the product candidates in ACADIA's pipeline emanate from discoveries made using its proprietary drug discovery platform. ACADIA maintains a website at www.acadia-pharm.com to which ACADIA regularly posts copies of its press releases as well as additional information and through which interested parties can subscribe to receive email alerts.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to statements related to the progress and timing of drug discovery and development programs, including clinical trials and the results therefrom, and the potential of and the benefits to be derived from product candidates, in each case including pimavanserin. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks and uncertainties inherent in drug discovery, development, commercialization and collaborations with others, and the fact that past results of clinical trials may not be indicative of further trial results. For a discussion of these and other factors, please refer to ACADIA's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as well as ACADIA's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and ACADIA undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.
Biovail Corporation (BVF) recently provided an update on its development plans for pimavanserin for Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP). The company is developing the candidate in collaboration with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACAD) and stated that the partners remain committed towards the successful development of the candidate.
In early Sept. 2009, the companies had reported results from a [...]
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