XOMA Corporation
(
XOMA
) recently announced that it has initiated patient enrollment in
two trials being conducted with gevokizumab. The trials will
evaluate gevokizumab's capability to treat interleukin-1
beta-mediated inflammatory diseases. XOMA is currently screening
patients for both studies.
The first study (phase III) will evaluate the candidate's
potential in reducing the symptoms in patients suffering from
non-infectious uveitis (NIU) involving the intermediate and/or
posterior segment of the eye. The primary endpoint of the
randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study is the
proportion of patients showing reduction in vitreous haze score on
Day 56 following gevokizumab treatment.
We note that uveitis refers to inflammatory diseases that affect
the uvea portion of the eye. The different forms of uveitis
(intermediate, posterior and pan-uveitis) are collectively known as
NIU. NIU can lead to blindness due to swelling of tissues.
The other study (phase II) will evaluate the potential of the
candidate to improve symptoms of pain, physical function and other
abnormalities in patients with erosive osteoarthritis of the hand.
XOMA expects to enroll around 90 patients in this proof-of-concept
study of gevokizumab.
Notably, in January 2011, XOMA joined hands with Les
Laboratoires Servier to develop and commercialize gevokizumab. As
per the agreement, XOMA received around $35 million upfront and can
get up to $470 million in milestone payments and tiered royalties.
XOMA retained development and commercialization rights for NIU and
other inflammatory and oncology indications in the U.S. and
Japan.
XOMA has collaboration agreements with other companies like
Novartis AG
(
NVS
), Takeda and
AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc
. (
AVEO
) as well.
Our Recommendation
Currently, we have a Neutral long-term stance on XOMA. The
company carries a Zacks #4 Rank (Sell rating) in the short run.
AVEO PHARMACEUT (AVEO): Free Stock Analysis
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NOVARTIS AG-ADR (NVS): Free Stock Analysis
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XOMA CORP (XOMA): Free Stock Analysis Report
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