Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (HALO) presented positive top-line on HTI-501, which is being developed for the treatment of cellulite. Results from the proof of concept phase I/II study showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the appearance of cellulite in the skin areas treated with HTI-501. The candidate was well tolerated at all doses.
Halozyme said that 28 days post treatment, the HTI-501-treated areas of the patients’ skin showed a mean improvement of 53% from the pre-treatment condition, compared to the skin areas treated with the control vehicle injection, which showed a mean improvement of 33%. The effect of the treatment was maintained at three months and six months.
These results support the development of HTI-501 for cellulite, which currently has limited treatment options.
On its fourth quarter call, the company had said that it is reviewing various strategic alternatives and seeking partnering options for the advancement of HTI-501.
We note that Halozyme has partnered programs with companies like Roche (RHHBY) and Pfizer (PFE) among others. Earlier this year, Roche had received a positive opinion from the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for its subcutaneous formulation of MabThera using Halozyme’s rHuPH20. Halozyme’s agreement with Pfizer covers the development and commercialization of products combining rHuPH20 with Pfizer’s biologics.
Meanwhile, Halozyme is working towards label expansion of Hylenex recombinant as an adjunct in the treatment of type I diabetes patients using insulin pumps. Top-line results from the CONSISTENT-1 study should be out shortly.
Halozyme carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the biotech sector is Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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