Receptos, Inc. RCPT announced positive results from the maintenance period of a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (TOUCHSTONE) on its lead candidate – ozanimod, in ulcerative colitis (UC). The company revealed that the maintenance period of the study met all efficacy endpoints. Shares were up 6.1% on the news.
Two doses (0.5 mg and 1 mg) of ozanimod were evaluated in the study versus placebo. Patients on the 1 mg dose achieved statistical significance following 32 weeks of treatment. The safety and tolerability profile was similar to results observed in the induction period of the study as well as in the phase II RADIANCE study conducted in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) patients.
The company now intends to initiate a phase III program in 2015 of ozanimod in patients with moderately-to-severely active UC.
Receptos is evaluating ozanimod for the treatment of RMS and Crohn's disease. Ozanimod is currently in two phase III studies (RADIANCE and SUNBEAM) for RMS. The company also plans to initiate a phase II study for Crohn's disease this year.
Apart from ozanimod, other pipeline candidates include RPC4046 for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). RPC4046 is currently in a phase II study (HEROES) with top-line results expected in the first half of 2016. RPC4046 enjoys orphan drug status for the treatment of EoE.
We are encouraged by Receptos’ efforts to develop ozanimod for multiple indications and expect investor focus to remain on further updates.
Receptos carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Affymetrix Inc. AFFX, AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AVEO and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP. All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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