Zafgen closes beloranib trials

Zafgen Inc. (NASDAQ:ZFGN) said it will close the randomized portions of its Phase III bestPWS (ZAF-311) and Phase IIb ZAF-203 trials of obesity candidate beloranib ( ZGN-440). The company said that it will analyze data from both shortened trials and that FDA has agreed to review an abbreviated application.

Zafgen also disclosed that respiratory failure due to pulmonary emboli caused a patient's death in the bestPWS study to treat Prader-Willi syndrome, according to the patient's death certificate. The company said Thursday that it had not yet received an autopsy report and did not know whether the event was related to treatment with beloranib. Last week, Zafgen disclosed the death and said the patient had received beloranib rather than placebo (see BioCentury Extra, Oct. 16). ...