Shares of XBiotech XBIT witnessed a significant upside after the company reported that the European phase III study on its lead candidate, Xilonix, has met its primary endpoint.
XBiotech is evaluating the candidate for the treatment of patients suffering from symptomatic, advanced colorectal cancer. Xilonix specifically targets and neutralizes interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1a), a molecule known to promote angiogenesis, growth and spread of tumors, and mediate symptoms such as metabolic dysregulation, fatigue and anxiety associated with advanced cancer.
Patients (n=333) enrolled in the trial were randomized in the ratio of 2:1 to receive either the Xilonix therapeutic antibody or placebo. These patients were suffering from cancer-associated symptoms such as fatigue, pain, elevated inflammatory markers, weight loss and reduced physical ability at baseline.
Data from the trial showed that a higher number of patients on the Xilonix arm were responders compared to those on the placebo arm. Moreover, it was observed that one third of 207 patients randomized to receive Xilonix met responder criteria compared to less than one fifth of 102 patients in the placebo arm.
The study was developed in collaboration with the EMA.
Xilonix enjoys Fast Track status in the U.S. for the treatment of advanced cancer with associated cachexia. We expect investor focus to remain on further development updates on Xilonix from the company.
We note that XBiotech focuses on the discovery and development of targeted antibodies based on its True Human technology.
XBiotech currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Baxalta Inc. BXLT, Horizon Pharmaceuticals HZNP and AstraZeneca PLC AZN. All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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