Acucela gains on Phase II emixustat data

Acucela Inc. (Tokyo:4589) gained Y45 to Y740 after emixustat ( ACU-4429) demonstrated dose-dependent and reversible suppression of rod photoreceptor sensitivity in a Phase IIa trial to treat geographic atrophy (GA) associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Patients received one of four doses ranging from 2 mg to 10 mg of emixustat, or placebo, once daily for 90 days. Data from 72 evaluable patients showed that after 14 days of treatment, recovery of rod photoreceptor responses was suppressed in the emixustat group vs. placebo. The 10 mg group had an 89% suppression, while the 2 mg group had a 26% suppression. The suppression was reversible within one to two weeks after the end of treatment. ...