Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CPRX announced top-line results from an open-label, proof-of-concept study on vigabatrin (previously known as CPP-109) for treatment-refractory patients suffering from Tourette’s disorder.
The 8-week study evaluated the potential effect of GABA-aminotransferase (AT) inhibition as a mechanism for reducing tics in patients suffering from treatment-refractory Tourette’s disorder. The study aimed at obtaining preliminary data regarding the clinical effect, dosage and tolerability of a GABA-AT inhibitor like vigabatrin in Tourette’s disorder patients aged 18 years and above, who responded unsatisfactorily to all prior treatments.
Catalyst Pharma reported that 1 out of the 4 patients enrolled in the study showed a clinically significant reduction in tics, while two others showed approximately 25% reduction in tics without subjective clinical improvement. The company emphasized on the fact that given that patients in the study were refractory to all previous treatments, the positive long-term response by even a single refractory patient is encouraging. This indicates that under proper monitoring alternative treatment options may be generated for the treatment of young patients in need of long-term treatment.
Catalyst Pharma intends to plan future development activities for CPP-115, another GABA-AT inhibitor, once the utility of the GABA-AT inhibition mechanism is successfully demonstrated in the vigabatrin study. The company is developing CPP-115 for the treatment of epilepsy (initially infantile spasms) and other neurological indications including post-traumatic stress disorder and Tourette’s disorder. Currently, CPP-115 is being evaluated in a phase I(b) multi-dose safety and tolerance study with results expected by the third quarter of 2015. CPP-115 enjoys orphan drug status in the U.S. for the treatment of infantile spasms and orphan medicinal product designation in the EU for West syndrome.
Catalyst Pharma carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. VRX, AmerisourceBergen Corporation ABC and Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. ACOR. While Valeant carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), AmerisourceBergen and Acorda hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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