Hedging on formulation

Curis Inc. doesn't think the lack of efficacy it saw in a portion of a Phase I trial of its lead basal cell carcinoma candidate targeting the hedgehog pathway has anything to do with the pathway itself. Instead, CRIS believes the problem was likely due to formulation, and it remains bullish on the target itself.

Since its formation in 2000 by way of a three-way merger between Creative BioMolecules Inc., Ontogeny Inc. and Reprogenesis Inc., Curis (CRIS, Cambridge, Mass.) has been focused on the potential of the hedgehog pathway for anything from cancer and cardiovascular disease to neurological disorders and hair growth (see BioCentury, Feb. 22, 2000). The company is not alone in its belief in the pathway, as its partners include Elan Corp. plc (ELN, Dublin, Ireland); Genentech Inc. (DNA, South San Francisco, Calif.); Wyeth (WYE, Madison, N.J.); and Procter & Gamble Co. (PG, Cincinnati, Ohio)...