BioLineRx reports BL-7040 ulcerative colitis data

BioLineRx Ltd. (Tel Aviv:BLRX; NASDAQ:BLRX) reported data from 16 evaluable patients showing that oral BL-7040 for five weeks met the primary endpoint of achieving a clinical response in a Phase IIa trial to treat moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). The company said it did not establish a predefined threshold for meeting the endpoint, but said that a response rate of 30-70% based on historical data would be considered a success; 50% of patients achieved a clinical response.

BioLineRx said it will consider conducting a Phase IIb trial of BL-7040 to treat UC, but declined to disclose details. The company also said it will examine potential additional autoimmune indications for the compound. BioLineRx has exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize BL-7040 from the Yissum Research Development Company Ltd. tech transfer arm of Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The compound is an oral synthetic oligonucleotide with dual activity on both the nervous and immune systems. ...