SAN DIEGO, Dec. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Arena
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA) today announced that it has
completed enrollment in the ralinepag phase 2 trial.
Ralinepag is an oral, selective IP receptor agonist targeting the
prostacyclin pathway for the treatment of pulmonary arterial
hypertension (PAH). The study enrolled approximately 60 patients at
sites globally.
"This marks an important step in the development of ralinepag
and is evidence of our strategic focus on our pipeline," said
Amit Munshi, Arena's President and
CEO. "We believe ralinepag has the potential to achieve a
best-in-class profile for patients suffering from PAH and we look
forward to seeing the results mid-year to confirm our
hypothesis."
The trial is a 22-week, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial evaluating the effectiveness in
reducing pulmonary vascular resistance, improving exercise
capacity, tolerability and safety of ralinepag.
About PAH
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a
rare, progressive, life-threatening disorder characterized by
increased pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart
to the lungs. The increased pressure strains the heart, which can
limit physical activity, result in heart failure and reduce life
expectancy. Based on data from the Registry to EValuate Early And
Long-term PAH disease management (REVEAL) of patients in
the United States, there is an
estimated five-year survival rate of 57% from diagnosis.
About Ralinepag
Ralinepag, an orally available
agonist of the IP receptor, is an investigational drug candidate
internally discovered and developed by Arena and intended for the
treatment of vascular diseases, including PAH. In Phase 1 trials,
ralinepag showed an approximate 25-hour half-life, indicating that
the compound could be dosed once or twice daily. Arena believes
that ralinepag's high intrinsic potency and activity at the human
IP receptor has the potential to improve treatment for patients
with PAH. The FDA has granted ralinepag orphan drug status for the
treatment of PAH.
About Arena Pharmaceuticals
We are a biopharmaceutical
company focused on developing novel, small molecule drugs across a
range of therapeutic areas. We have three primary proprietary
investigational clinical programs: etrasimod (APD334) in Phase 2
evaluation for ulcerative colitis, APD371 entering Phase 2
evaluation for the treatment of pain associated with Crohn's
disease, and ralinepag (APD811) in Phase 2 evaluation for pulmonary
arterial hypertension (PAH). Additionally, we have
collaborations with the following pharmaceutical companies: Eisai
Co., Ltd. and Eisai Inc. (commercial stage), Axovant Sciences Ltd.
(Phase 2 candidate), and Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
(preclinical candidate).
Our US operations are located in San
Diego, California. Our primary clinical operations are
located in Zug, Switzerland, and
our commercial manufacturing for BELVIQ is located in Zofingen,
Switzerland.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this
press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number
of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include
statements about the ongoing Phase 2 program for ralinepag; the
expected timing of clinical data; whether planned clinical trials
for ralinepag can be completed; the improved treatment of patients
with PAH; the advancement and potential of Arena's clinical
programs; and Arena's focus, primary programs and collaborations.
For such statements, Arena claims the protection of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual events or results
may differ materially from Arena's expectations. Factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements include those disclosed in Arena's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking
statements represent Arena's judgment as of the time of this
release. Arena disclaims any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements, other than as may be required under
applicable law.
Contact: Arena Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
Kevin R. Lind, Chief Financial
Officer
klind@arenapharm.com
858.210.3636
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161107/436843LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arena-pharmaceuticals-completes-enrollment-in-ralinepag-phase-2-clinical-trial-for-pulmonary-arterial-hypertension-pah-300374081.html
SOURCE Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.