XOMA Corporation
(
XOMA
) recently announced that it intends to include active
non-infectious anterior scleritis in the gevokizumab
proof-of-concept program. Non-infectious anterior scleritis
refers to the inflammation of the fibrous white membrane
surrounding the eyeball excluding the cornea.
Gevokizumab is an IL-1 beta modulating antibody. In
November 2012, XOMA and its partner Les Laboratoires Servier
initiated a proof-of-concept study to evaluate patients who have
experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the past three to
twelve months.
In June last year, the company initiated patient enrollment in
two clinical trials to evaluate gevokizumab for treating
interleukin-1 beta-mediated inflammatory diseases.
The first study (phase III) is evaluating the candidate's
potential in reducing the symptoms like vitreous haze in patients
suffering from non-infectious uveitis (NIU) involving the
intermediate and/or posterior portion 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.
The other study (phase II) is evaluating the potential of the
candidate to improve symptoms of pain, physical function and
other abnormalities in patients suffering from erosive
osteoarthritis of the hand.
XOMA has collaboration agreements with other companies like
Novartis AG
(
NVS
) and
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
(
TKPYY
).
Our Recommendation
Currently, we have a Neutral long-term recommendation on XOMA.
The company carries a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold rating) in the short
run.
Large-cap pharma companies that currently look better-positioned
include
Novo Nordisk
(
NVO
). Novo Nordisk carries a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
NOVO-NORDISK AS (NVO): Free Stock Analysis
Report
NOVARTIS AG-ADR (NVS): Free Stock Analysis
Report
(TKPYY): ETF Research Reports
XOMA CORP (XOMA): Free Stock Analysis Report
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