Investors in the pharma/biotech sector eagerly wait for pipeline updates as they play an important role in deciding whether or not to invest in a particular company. These updates provide information on experimental drugs and at times give an insight into the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized.
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AQXP) has started dosing in the phase II KINSHIP study (n=50) on its atopic dermatitis (AD) candidate, AQX-1125. The randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of AQX-1125 in treating adults suffering from mild-to-moderate AD.
The primary objective of the study is to determine the change from baseline in total lesion symptom score, which is a comprehensive assessment of AD symptoms, after 12 weeks of treatment. Aquinox will also evaluate other key endpoints like safety, pharmacokinetics and additional parameters in the study.
As per the company, around 17.8 million people in the U.S. are suffering from atopic dermatitis and two-thirds of them suffer from the moderate-to-severe form of the disease.
Meanwhile, other companies like Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANAC) are also developing candidates for the treatment of AD. Anacor’s AN2728 is currently in phase III studies being developed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate AD with top-line data expected in the second half of 2015.
We note that AQX-1125 is Aquinox’s lead pipeline candidate and is being developed for other indications like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (phase II), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (phase II) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (phase II to be initiated in the first half of 2015). We expect investor focus to remain on the stock going forward.
Aquinox currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Affymetrix Inc. (AFFX) and AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMAG). Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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