Corporate News Blog – Catabasis Pharma Shares Positive Results from Phase-2 MoveDMD Trials for Assessing Edasalonexent for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Research Desk Line-up: XTL Biopharma Post Earnings Coverage

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2017 / Pro-Trader Daily takes a look at the latest corporate events and news making the headlines for Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CATB), following which we have published a free report that can be viewed by signing up at http://protraderdaily.com/optin/?symbol=CATB. The Company announced on October 04, 2017, the new positive efficacy results from its Phase-2 MoveDMD Trials in the World Muscle Society Conference. The data validates that Edasalonexent substantially slowed the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The results demonstrate disease-modifying effects following 24 and 36 weeks of treatment with Edasalonexent. For immediate access to our complimentary reports, including today’s coverage, register for free now at:

http://protraderdaily.com/register/

Discover more of our free reports coverage from other companies within the Biotechnology industry. Pro-TD has currently selected XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (NASDAQ: XTLB) for due-diligence and potential coverage as the Company announced on September 26, 2017, its financial results for Q2 which ended on June 30, 2017 and also provided an update on the development program for its lead drug candidate hCDR1. Tune in to our site to register for a free membership, and be among the early birds that get our report on XTL Biopharma when we publish it.

At Pro-TD, we make it our mission to bring you news that matter about the stock you follow. Today, our research desk covers a blog story on CATB; also brushing on XTLB. Go directly to your stock of interest and access today’s free coverage at:

http://protraderdaily.com/optin/?symbol=CATB

http://protraderdaily.com/optin/?symbol=XTLB

About Edasalonexent (CAT-1004)

Edasalonexent is an investigational oral small molecule, which is being developed as a prospective disease-modifying therapy for all patients affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), regardless of their underlying mutation. Edasalonexent inhibits NF-kB, which is a protein activated in DMD. NF-kB causes inflammation and fibrosis, muscle degeneration, and suppresses muscle regeneration. The FDA has granted orphan drug, fast track, and rare pediatric disease designations to Edasalonexent for the treatment of DMD; while the European Commission has granted Edasalonexent for the treatment of DMD orphan medicinal product designation.

About the MoveDMD Phase-2 Trials

The MoveDMD trial comprises a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase-2 trial with 31 ambulatory boys enrolled between ages 4 to 7 years with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of DMD across a range of dystrophin mutations. All boys enrolled for the study were steroid-naive. The open-label extension, which was started in July 2016, is assessing long-term safety and efficacy with the same clinical endpoints as the placebo-controlled portion.

Study Results

In the MoveDMD trial, a considerable slowing of disease progression of DMD was noted in boys treated with Edasalonexent versus the rates of change during the control period.

Throughout the 36 weeks of treatment, the 100 mg/kg/day treatment group exhibited clinically meaningful numerical improvements in rates of decline compared to rates of change noted during control period across all three timed function tests, i.e. 10-meter walk/run, 4-stair climb, and time to stand. It also showed considerable improvement in the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), which is an integrated global assessment of muscle function.

For the purpose of the study, control period changes were computed before boys received Edasalonexent, either prior to Phase-2 or in the placebo group, for time periods averaging 39 weeks.

In the 100-mg/kg/day-treatment group, 16 boys started Edasalonexent either at the beginning of Phase-2 or at the beginning of the open-label extension. In the open-label extension data analysis, all 14 boys continuing to participate had received 100 mg/kg/day for 24 weeks and 11 had completed 36 weeks of 100 mg/kg/day Edasalonexent treatment. Results are exhaustive for the 100-mg/kg/day-treatment group as all boys are now taking this dose in the open-label extension.

Moreover, additional supportive measures of muscle health were also in-line with a positive Edasalonexent treatment effect. After Edasalonexent treatment for 12 weeks, the four muscle enzymes – i.e. creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase – were considerably reduced compared to baseline. This was coupled with the ability to slow muscle degeneration and improve muscle integrity. Furthermore, rate of change in lower leg MRI T2 considerably improved at 12 weeks and at last observation on treatment compared to control period (p≤0.05). This was also matched with a reduction of muscle inflammation.

No Significant Adverse Effects

In the MoveDMD trial, Edasalonexent continued to be well tolerated with no safety signals observed so far.

Most of the Adverse Effects (AE) have been mild in nature while there have been no dose reductions and no drug-related discontinuations.

In fact, the height, weight, and BMI growth patterns were in-line with the standard growth curves for unaffected boys in the age range of MoveDMD subjects.

The most common AEs include gastrointestinal, primarily mild and transient diarrhea.

Boys suffering with DMD in this age group mostly have resting tachycardia, i.e. their heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate. Providentially, the heart rate of the boys treated with Edasalonexent decreased toward age-normative values during treatment. These clinical heart rate observations are intriguing and need follow-up.

Affirmative Remarks for Positive Results of MoveDMD Trials

Jill C. Milne, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Catabasis expressed his excitement on seeing Edasalonexent change the course of disease in the MoveDMD trial with considerably slowed disease progression. He shared that, boys who were treated with Edasalonexent showed significant improvements in muscle function as compared to the rates of change observed during the control period. Other supportive positive measures of muscle health were also noted. He mentioned that Catabasis looks forward to developing Edasalonexent as a disease-modifying therapy in a single Phase-3 pivotal trial as soon as possible. The Company aims to deliver noteworthy impact on disease progression for all boys affected by Duchenne.

Richard Finkel, M.D., Chief, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Health System, shared his opinion about the positive results of Phase-2 Trial. He is serving as the Principal Investigator for the study. He stated that their goal in treating boys with Duchenne is to slow the progression of the disease. It is extremely reassuring to see Edasalonexent have a stabilizing effect on boys. Those treated with Edasalonexent demonstrated improvements in functional abilities and MRI T2 measures along with its continued safety profile. He plans to continue investigating Edasalonexent as a potential therapy for all boys suffering from Duchenne.

Pat Furlong, Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), also expressed his excitement on noting positive effects of Edasalonexent on muscle function. Research suggests that effects on muscle function are the most important aspect of a therapy for Duchenne for the affected patients as well as their families. Pat Furlong is eager to know more about Edasalonexent as Catabasis is about to commence its Phase-3 trial. He believes given its disease-modifying effects and safety and tolerability profile, Edasalonexent has the potential to become the foundational therapy for all people affected by Duchenne.

Plan for a Single Global Phase-3 Trial

On the basis of the positive MoveDMD results and supportive regulatory input from FDA, Catabasis intends to initiate a single global Phase-3 trial with Edasalonexent in patients with DMD irrespective of mutation type in the first half of 2018 with top-line results expected in 2020.

The Phase-3 trial would help evaluate the efficacy and safety of Edasalonexent for registration purposes. Catabasis has already discussed and planned the design for the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with the FDA. The Phase-3 trial would have many elements in common with the Phase-2 trial including the patient population and endpoints. It is expected that approximately 125 patients aged 4 to 7 years, who have not been on steroids for at least 6 months, would be enrolled for the trial. The primary endpoint would be a change in the North Star Ambulatory Assessment score after 12 months of Edasalonexent treatment compared to placebo. Key secondary endpoints would include age-appropriate timed function tests.

Last Close Stock Review

On Thursday, October 05, 2017, the stock closed the trading session at $2.84, declining 6.27% from its previous closing price of $3.03. A total volume of 7.52 million shares have exchanged hands, which was higher than the 3-month average volume of 837.51 thousand shares. Catabasis Pharma’s stock price skyrocketed 89.33% in the last one month, 113.53% in the past three months, and 110.37% in the previous six months. The stock currently has a market cap of $67.11 million.

Pro-Trader Daily:

Pro-Trader Daily (Pro-TD) produces regular sponsored and non-sponsored reports, articles, stock market blogs, and popular investment newsletters covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and Canadian stocks. PRO-TD has two distinct and independent departments. One department produces non-sponsored analyst certified content generally in the form of press releases, articles and reports covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and the other produces sponsored content (in most cases not reviewed by a registered analyst), which typically consists of compensated investment newsletters, articles, and reports covering listed stocks and micro-caps. Such sponsored content is outside the scope of procedures detailed below.

PRO-TD has not been compensated; directly or indirectly; for producing or publishing this document.

PRESS RELEASE PROCEDURES:

The non-sponsored content contained herein has been prepared by a writer (the “Author”) and is fact checked and reviewed by a third party research service company (the “Reviewer”) represented by a credentialed financial analyst [for further information on analyst credentials, please email contact@protraderdaily.com. Rohit Tuli, a CFA® charter holder (the “Sponsor”), provides necessary guidance in preparing the document templates. The Reviewer has reviewed and revised the content, as necessary, based on publicly available information which is believed to be reliable. Content is researched, written and reviewed on a reasonable effort basis. The Reviewer has not performed any independent investigations or forensic audits to validate the information herein. The Reviewer has only independently reviewed the information provided by the Author according to the procedures outlined by PRO-TD. PRO-TD is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the third-party research service company to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, any content outside of this document has no association with the Author or the Reviewer in any way.

NO WARRANTY

PRO-TD, the Author, and the Reviewer are not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. PRO-TD, the Author, and the Reviewer expressly disclaim any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Additionally, PRO-TD, the Author, and the Reviewer do not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

NOT AN OFFERING

This document is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned or discussed, and is to be used for informational purposes only. Please read all associated disclosures and disclaimers in full before investing. Neither PRO-TD nor any party affiliated with us is a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer with any agency or in any jurisdiction whatsoever. To download our report(s), read our disclosures, or for more information, visit http://protraderdaily.com/disclaimer/.

CONTACT

For any questions, inquiries, or comments reach out to us directly. If you’re a company we are covering and wish to no longer feature on our coverage list contact us via email and/or phone between 09:30 EDT to 16:00 EDT from Monday to Friday at:

Email: contact@protraderdaily.com

Phone number: (917) 341.4653

Office Address: Mainzer Landstrasse 50 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 60325

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

SOURCE: Pro-Trader Daily

ReleaseID: 477239