Axcella Hopes Interim NASH Data Can Help Extend Its Financial Runway

Axcella’s AXA1125, a therapeutic combination of amino acids, shows liver stiffness, liver enzyme and fat reduction benefits in Phase IIb interim look, but the firm lacks the cash to complete the trial.

NASH liver
Axcella uses combinations of amino acids to fight disease, including NASH • Source: Shutterstock

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a hard therapeutic space to stand out in, but cash-poor Axcella Therapeutics, Inc. is trying to get attention from partners or financial backers with positive interim data from a Phase IIb study. The biotech’s endogenous metabolic modulator AXA1125 met statistical significance on several secondary NASH endpoints in a scheduled interim look, but Axcella may not have enough money to get to final data expected in early 2024.

On 29 September, the Cambridge, MA-based company reported that AXA1125, a therapeutic combination of “generally recognized as safe” amino acids that can provide target regulation and signaling in various disease states, provided statistically significant improvements in liver stiffness as measured

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

Leo Roars To A Profit In Q1 As Adbry Grows In US

 
• By 

The Danish firm's atopic dermatitis drug is holding its own despite strong competition from Sanofi/Regeneron’s Dupixent.

Azafaros Banks Over €130m To Advance Nizubaglustat Into Phase III

 
• By 

The therapy has been developed for GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Lilly Builds Obesity Momentum With New SURMOUNT Data Besting Novo Nordisk

 

The presentation and publication of the Phase IIIb study showing greater efficacy for Zepbound over Wegovy come at a time when competition has been heating up between the two obesity medications.

Insilico Fast-Tracks First AI-Designed TNIK Inhibitor For IPF

 

InSilico will leapfrog Phase IIb to progress its AI-generated candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis directly into a Phase III trial in China, as it prepares for an IPO in Hong Kong.

More from R&D

Azafaros Banks Over €130m To Advance Nizubaglustat Into Phase III

 
• By 

The therapy has been developed for GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Lilly Builds Obesity Momentum With New SURMOUNT Data Besting Novo Nordisk

 

The presentation and publication of the Phase IIIb study showing greater efficacy for Zepbound over Wegovy come at a time when competition has been heating up between the two obesity medications.

Which Firms Are Most Exposed To Prasad’s Possible Accelerated Approvals Clampdown?

 

Vaccine and accelerated approvals are expected to face greater scrutiny under new CBER leader Vinay Prasad, but he has promised “no light switch change” to policy, giving some reassurance to companies whose share prices have been battered.