Positive Data from Synergy Pharma - Analyst Blog
May 24 2013 - 12:35PM
Zacks
Synergy Pharmaceuticals
Inc. (SGYP) recently announced positive
results from a multicenter trial which evaluated its pipeline
candidate plecanatide for treating patients suffering from chronic
idiopathic constipation (CIC). The encouraging data was presented
at the Digestive Disease Week in the US.
The 12-week study (n=951) was
conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three oral doses
of plecanatide compared to placebo.
The trial tested the ability of
plecanatide to increase the number of complete spontaneous bowel
movements (CSBMs) along with improving other bowel measures such as
stool consistency and straining.
Synergy Pharma observed
statistically significant improvement in the number of CSBMs among
patients, who were administered three doses of plecanatide. The
study also showed that patients experienced improvements in other
symptoms of chronic constipation as well, including decreased stool
hardness and straining. An improvement in the quality of life was
observed in CIC patients treated with plecanatide.
Synergy Pharma now plans to move
forward with the development of plecanatide for the treatment of
CIC and intends to initiate pivotal trials in the second half of
2013.
We remind investors Synergy Pharma
is also developing plecanatide for the treatment of irritable bowel
syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). The company initiated the first
trial in IBS-C patients in late 2012. Currently, a phase IIb trial
evaluating plecanatide in IBS-C patients is underway and Synergy
Pharma expects to release top-line data from this trial in the
first quarter of 2014.
We expect investor focus to remain
on updates regarding the future development of plecanatide. The
successful development and commercialization of plecanatide would
be a major positive for Synergy Pharma, which currently has no
approved drug.
However, plecanatide is expected to
face competition on approval. The constipation market already
includes Ironwood Pharmaceuticals/ Forest
Laboratories’ (IRWD/FRX) Linzess for treating adults
suffering from IBS-C or CIC.
Synergy Pharma currently carries a
Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Right now, Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(SLXP) looks attractive with a Zacks Rank
#1 (Strong Buy).
FOREST LABS A (FRX): Free Stock Analysis Report
IRONWOOD PHARMA (IRWD): Free Stock Analysis Report
SYNERGY PHARMAC (SGYP): Free Stock Analysis Report
SALIX PHARM-LTD (SLXP): Free Stock Analysis Report
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