Gilead’s FXR Agonist Posts Questionable Results In NASH, But Offers Hope In PSC

Although GS-9674’s efficacy data don’t appear as promising as that for Intercept’s competing FXR agonist OCA, Gilead seems to be building an argument that its drug has a better combination of efficacy and safety.

scientists doing lab research on digital screen

Gilead Sciences Inc. unveiled Phase II data for its farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist GS-9674 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that raise doubts for its promise in that indication compared to other candidates from the same class, but Gilead’s drug fared better in a primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) trial, showing improvements in liver biochemistry and markers of cholestasis.

A competing NASH candidate, Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s obeticholic acid (OCA), showed the ability to reduce both fibrosis and steatosis in the Phase II FLINT trial, although increased lipid levels were seen in the same study. (Also see "Intercept Thinks Fibrosis Effect Could Carry Its NASH Candidate" - Pink Sheet, 17 November, 2014.) In Phase II data presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease meeting Nov

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Clinical Trials

Pipeline Watch: Six Approvals And Thirteen Phase III Readouts

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

Viatris Will File ‘Fast-Acting’ Meloxicam For FDA Approval This Year

 
• By 

Seven years after acquiring it, Viatris will seek approval of a meloxicam formulation for acute pain backed by data from two Phase III studies in post-surgical pain settings.

CRISPR Therapeutics Unveils Promising Early In Vivo Cholesterol-Lowering Results

 

The Phase I results are the best to date among ANGPTL3-targeting candidates in the pipeline, but analysts will wait for further updates before predicting a likely winner.

Sanofi R&D Head’s Words Of Wisdom For Biotechs

 
• By 

Houman Ashrafian tells delegates at Swiss Biotech Day that ‘literally only two things matter in our industry – target credentialing and differentiated pharmacology. The rest is execution.’

More from R&D

Sanofi R&D Head’s Words Of Wisdom For Biotechs

 
• By 

Houman Ashrafian tells delegates at Swiss Biotech Day that ‘literally only two things matter in our industry – target credentialing and differentiated pharmacology. The rest is execution.’

Marea Eyes Cardioprotective Benefit With ANGPTL4 Inhibition

 
• By 

Phase IIa data for ANGPTL4-targeted antibody shows reduced triglycerides and remnant cholesterol, which Marea asserts indicates potential to protect against cardiovascular outcomes.

First Win For AstraZeneca’s Enhertu In Early-Stage Breast Cancer Treatment

 

Already dominating in later lines of breast cancer treatment, Enhertu could now displace both chemotherapy combinations and Roche’s Kadcyla in early-stage HER2-positive patients.