BioCentury
ARTICLE | Clinical News

PTC falls on SMA trial suspension

May 6, 2015 1:15 AM UTC

PTC Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:PTCT) lost $7.71 (13%) to $53.13 on Tuesday after it said partner Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) had suspended the Phase II MOONFISH trial of RG7800 to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In its 1Q15 earnings statement released Monday, PTC said a separate study showed an "eye finding" in monkeys receiving RG7800. PTC did not disclose the nature of the finding, but said the complication occurred at higher doses than those used in human studies.

The partners agreed to suspend dosing in MOONFISH while they evaluate the finding and explore next steps. PTC CEO Stuart Peltz said on a conference call that PTC has not yet adjusted its expected timeline for the trial. ...