Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE:BMY) says its experimental drug BMS-986036 designed to fight liver fat has achieved yet another milestone in a mid-stage clinical trial. According to the biopharmaceutical company, the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH drug significantly reduced liver fats against placebo in a Phase II study.
NASH Phase II Study Results
The 16-week trial was carried out on 74 patients of which BMS-986036 was injected at two dosing regimens versus placebo. Investigators say the experimental drug achieved its primary endpoint, with a weekly injection having lowered liver fat by 5.2% in patients. Daily injections, on the other hand, lowered liver fat by 6.8%.
Bristol-Myers says its candidate drug reduced biomarkers for fibrosis, which is known to lead to side effects such as scarring, or cirrhosis. Without any deaths or serious side effects, BMS-986036 also led to improvements in cholesterol levels in patients as well as triglycerides, according to a statement from the company.
“These data, along with previously announced Phase 2 data in patients with type 2 diabetes, support further clinical research of BMS-986036 as a potential treatment for NASH. We look forward to sharing these data with health authorities to determine next steps for further study of this asset,” said, Mike Burgess, head of Cardiovascular, Fibrosis, and Immunoscience Development.
Competition Threat
Currently, there are no approved treatments for NASH; a disease that physicians believe is tied to many cases of diabetes and obesity. Given that the condition affects 5% of the population in the US, Bristol-Myers stands to take the lead on the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Bristol-Myers could, however, come under pressure on the treatment of NASH as the likes of Allergan plc Ordinary Shares (NYSE:AGN) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) are also directing significant investment in this area of treatment. The two giant drug makers have already acquired novel candidates that they plan to use, to boost their research and development efforts on this field
Bristol-Myers stock was unchanged in Friday trading session having edged higher by $0.04 a share to close the week at highs of $53.48 a share.