Cirius plots path forward for NASH candidate despite missed primary in Phase IIb

Cirius believes the results of a Phase IIb study could portend future clinical success for its next-generation insulin sensitizer to treat NASH, despite the compound’s failure to reach statistical significance in the trial’s primary analysis. But the privately held company still isn’t saying whether investors will sign on to fund further study of the compound.

CEO Bob Baltera told BioCentury the company believes the totality of the trial’s data -- including measures of MSDC-0602K’s effects on glucose metabolism and liver enzymes as well as an exploratory post hoc analysis of liver biopsy results -- suggests that the compound could show both a cardiovascular benefit and effects on liver outcomes in a fully powered Phase III study to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis...