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Ligand's Partner Retrophin Provides New Data on Sparsentan
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Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated’s partner Retrophin, Inc. announced additional positive data results from the phase II DUET study on sparsentan for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The data was presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week.
The international, randomized, double-blind study evaluated the safety and efficacy of sparsentan in FSGS patients.
New data demonstrated that a significantly higher proportion of patients receiving sparsentan achieved modified partial remission of proteinuria, compared to those on the Avapro (irbesartan) arm. Moreover, a post-hoc, intention-to-treat analysis showed that the sparsentan treatment group again demonstrated a higher than two-fold reduction in proteinuria, in comparison to Avapro. In addition, four patients receiving sparsentan achieved complete remission, compared to zero irbesartan-treated patients. Moreover, sparsentan was found to be safe and well-tolerated.
We note that in Sep 2016, top-line data from the DUET study had demonstrated that the sparsentan treatment group achieved statistical significance in the study’s primary efficacy endpoint of reducing proteinuria.
The latest study results are encouraging. Retrophin is currently working with the FDA to determine the fastest path ahead for the development of sparsentan for an approval.
Per Ligand’s press release, FSGS is a rare kidney disorder without an FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment option. It is estimated that the disease affects up to 40,000 patients in the U.S. and has a similar prevalence in Europe. We note that sparsentan enjoys Orphan Drug status in both the U.S. and the EU for the treatment of FSGS.
A couple of better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Incyte Corporation (INCY - Free Report) and Anika Therapeutics (ANIK - Free Report) . Both of them carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Incyte’s earnings estimates increased from 20 cents to 68 cents for 2016 and from $1.42 to $1.68 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive average beat of 431.43% over the last four quarters.
Anika’s earnings estimates increased from $1.96 to $2.06 for 2016 and from $2.03 to $2.09 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 33.14%. Its share price has gained 20.6% year to date.
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Ligand's Partner Retrophin Provides New Data on Sparsentan
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated’s partner Retrophin, Inc. announced additional positive data results from the phase II DUET study on sparsentan for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The data was presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week.
The international, randomized, double-blind study evaluated the safety and efficacy of sparsentan in FSGS patients.
New data demonstrated that a significantly higher proportion of patients receiving sparsentan achieved modified partial remission of proteinuria, compared to those on the Avapro (irbesartan) arm. Moreover, a post-hoc, intention-to-treat analysis showed that the sparsentan treatment group again demonstrated a higher than two-fold reduction in proteinuria, in comparison to Avapro. In addition, four patients receiving sparsentan achieved complete remission, compared to zero irbesartan-treated patients. Moreover, sparsentan was found to be safe and well-tolerated.
We note that in Sep 2016, top-line data from the DUET study had demonstrated that the sparsentan treatment group achieved statistical significance in the study’s primary efficacy endpoint of reducing proteinuria.
The latest study results are encouraging. Retrophin is currently working with the FDA to determine the fastest path ahead for the development of sparsentan for an approval.
Per Ligand’s press release, FSGS is a rare kidney disorder without an FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment option. It is estimated that the disease affects up to 40,000 patients in the U.S. and has a similar prevalence in Europe. We note that sparsentan enjoys Orphan Drug status in both the U.S. and the EU for the treatment of FSGS.
Ligand carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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Stocks to Consider
A couple of better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Incyte Corporation (INCY - Free Report) and Anika Therapeutics (ANIK - Free Report) . Both of them carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Incyte’s earnings estimates increased from 20 cents to 68 cents for 2016 and from $1.42 to $1.68 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive average beat of 431.43% over the last four quarters.
Anika’s earnings estimates increased from $1.96 to $2.06 for 2016 and from $2.03 to $2.09 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 33.14%. Its share price has gained 20.6% year to date.
The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search
Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks – absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these stocks free >>