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 on the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized.
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ARNA) recently announced that it has initiated patient dosing in a phase II clinical trial on pipeline candidate, ralinepag.
Ralinepag is an agonist of the prostacyclin receptor, which is being developed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
The phase II trial is a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study being conducted by Arena Pharma to evaluate the hemodynamic and exercise capacity effects, safety and tolerability of ralinepag in up to 60 PAH patients. The candidate enjoys orphan drug status in the U.S. for the treatment of PAH.
PAH is a progressive disease that could result in heart failure and reduces life expectancy substantially. The prognosis for PAH is bleak with a survival rate of only 57% at five years from diagnosis, according to the Registry to EValuate Early And Long-term PAH disease management (REVEAL) study. Evidently, there is significant need for newer therapies targeting PAH.
Currently available drugs for PAH include United Therapeutics Corporation’s (UTHR) Remodulin. Actelion (ALIOF) is another player in the PAH market with drugs like Opsumit and Tracleer among others.
Meanwhile, Arena Pharma’s growth is entirely dependent on its sole marketed product Belviq for obesity. Hence, the company needs to focus on its pipeline for additional growth prospects.
Arena Pharma carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Right now, Regado Biosciences (RGDO) looks good with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Get all Zacks Research Reports and be alerted to fast-breaking buy and sell opportunities every trading day.
Be the first to comment