UCB's Neupro Positive in Parkinson's Disease Study in China - Analyst Blog
Pipeline updates are highly awaited events in the pharma/biotech sector as they play an important role in deciding whether or not to invest in a particular company. These updates provide information on experimental drugs and at times give an insight into the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized.
Late last week, UCB S.A. (UCBJF) announced positive top-line results from two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase III studies on its central nervous system drug, Neupro, for the treatment of Chinese patients suffering from early- and advanced-stage idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Based on these results, UCB intends to file for Neupro in China in 2015 for this indication.
We note that Neupro is already approved as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease in more than 46 countries including the U.S., the EU and Japan.
UCB stated that in the study for early-stage Parkinson’s disease, Neupro showed significant improvement in symptoms compared to placebo. Moreover, in the study for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease in patients who are not well-controlled on levodopa, Neupro led to significant reduction in periods of poor mobility, slowness and stiffness (often denoted as ‘off’ time) compared to those receiving placebo.
We are encouraged by the positive top-line results from the phase III study. With UCB facing generic competition for several drugs including Keppra, Zyrtec and Tussionex, we believe geographical expansion for Neupro, upon potential approval, should be a boost to the company’s top line.
UCB carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Biodel Inc. (BIOD), Lannett Company, Inc. (LCI) and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SCMP). All these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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