Update on RedHill Biopharma's Pipeline
Pipeline updates are eagerly awaited by investors in the biotech/pharma space as their investment decisions on a particular stock are often based on these. Pipelines are of paramount importance as far as pharma/biotech companies are concerned and more often than not these companies spend a significant amount in developing theirs.
Israel-based RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (RDHL) is also actively developing its pipeline. Last week the company announced encouraging results from a pharmacokinetic (:PK) study on its candidate RHB-105. The candidate is being developed as a first-line therapy to eradicate helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
The randomized open-label PK study is primarily aimed at evaluating RHB-105's pharmacokinetics and bioavailability properties. The study also evaluated the safety of the candidate. RedHill Biopharma stated that the positive results from the PK study support the continuation of the phase III study on RHB-105 (ERADICATE Hp) which was initiated earlier in the month. The company further stated in its press release that a final independent report on the PK study by the Canadian clinical research organization is expected shortly.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III ERADICATE Hp study is expected to enroll 90 subjects. These patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either RHB-105 or placebo for a period of 14 days. The primary endpoint of the study is the eradication of H. pylori infection in a span of 28–56 days after completion of treatment. RedHill Biopharma expects data from this study by the third quarter of 2014.
Another interesting candidate in RedHill Biopharma’s pipeline is RHB-104. In Nov 2013, the company commenced a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III MAP U.S. study on RHB-104 for the treatment of Crohn's disease. Apart from Crohn’s disease, RedHill Biopharma is also evaluating the candidate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (phase IIa proof of concept trial is ongoing) and rheumatoid arthritis (plans for a phase IIa proof of concept trial), and systemic lupus erythematosus.
RedHill Biopharma carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Investors interested in the biopharma industry may consider stocks like Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (VNDA) and Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ). All these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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