NGM, BMS add to NASH data

Newly released data from a Phase II study of NGM282 from NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (South San Francisco, Calif.) to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis showed that 3 and 6 mg doses of the candidate increased LDL levels 52 and 38 mg/dL, respectively, compared with placebo.

Earlier this month, an abstract released ahead of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) meeting had showed that the candidate significantly reduced liver fat content, meeting the study's primary endpoint. The abstract had described significant increases in LDL levels, but did not disclose their magnitude. Liver specialists who spoke with BioCentury said they would be following LDL data from NASH candidates presented at EASL, but noted increases could be managed with statins or dose modification (see BioCentury, April 14)...