VBL sinks on Phase II psoriasis, UC data
VBL Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ:VBLT) lost $9.24 (65%) to $4.87 on Tuesday after lead compound VB-201 missed the primary and secondary endpoints in two Phase II trials to treat plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis (UC). VBL plans to discontinue development in those indications of the toll-like receptor 2 ( TLR2) and TLR4 antagonist, which inhibits production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-23. The company did not respond to an inquiry regarding its development plans for VB-201 in other indications, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and atherosclerosis.
In a trial to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, 26.4% of patients receiving 80 or 160 mg of VB-201 achieved a PASI 50 response at week 16 and 34% achieved a PASI 50 response at week 24, the primary endpoints, compared to 38% of patients receiving placebo at week 16. ...