XOMA Corporation ( XOMA ) has started dosing patients in an early-stage study being conducted to evaluate its lead XOMA Metabolic (XMetD) candidate, XOMA 358. XOMA 358 is being developed for the treatment of non-drug-induced, endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (low blood glucose caused by excessive insulin produced by the body).
The phase I study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of single intravenous (IV) doses of XOMA 358 in healthy volunteers. Additionally, the study will evaluate the biologic effects of ascending single IV doses of XOMA 358 on glucose and insulin levels as well as insulin sensitivity. The study will provide information on the safety and pharmacokinetics of the candidate and facilitate dose selection for phase II studies.
We note that apart from XOMA 358, XOMA has two more candidates under its XMet program, namely, XMetA and XMetS.
We are pleased with the company's progress with its pipeline. Late last month, XOMA had initiated a phase III study (EYEGUARD-US) on gevokizumab (interleukin-1 beta modulating antibody) for the treatment of Behçet's disease uveitis in the U.S. Studies under the company's EYEGUARD program include EYEGUARD-A (treatment of acute non-infectious uveitis (NIU) involving the intermediate and/or posterior segment of the eye), EYEGUARD-B (prevention of disease flares in patients with Behçet's disease uveitis) and EYEGUARD-C (prevention of disease flares in NIU patients who are controlled with steroids).
Gevokizumab enjoys orphan drug status in the U.S. for the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum. XOMA has an agreement with Servier for gevokizumab.
We expect investor focus to remain on pipeline updates.
XOMA currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. ( EBS ), Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated ( LGND ) and Medivation, Inc. ( MDVN ). All three carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
