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Merrimack Completes Enrollment in Phase II Study for MM-141
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Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MACK - Free Report) announced completion of enrollment in the ongoing phase II study CARRIE, evaluating its pipeline candidate MM-141 (istiratumab) in combination with standard of care for treatment of patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer.
In Nov 2014, the FDA had granted an orphan drug designation to MM-141 for treating pancreatic cancer.
Shares of Merrimack have significantly underperformed the Zacks classified Medical-Biomed/Genetics industry so far this year. The stock has suffered 70.9% compared with the broader industry’s increase of 6.3%.
The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase II study was initiated in May 2015. The study is designed to evaluate MM-141 in patients with high levels of the IGF-1 protein, which plays a role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and high levels of free IGF-1 were randomized to receive either MM-141 plus nab-paclitaxel/Gemzar chemotherapy or placebo plus chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of the trial is progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, safety and tolerability. Data from the study is expected in the first half of 2018.
Apart from MM-141, there are other promising candidates in the company’s portfolio undergoing evaluation for tending to different types of cancer – MM-121 and MM-310.
MM-121 is being evaluated for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in an ongoing trial. The candidate will also be examined in a more focused proof-of-concept study with top line data expected by the end of 2018.
The company also plans to assess the candidate in a phase II clinical study on patients with HER2 negative hormone receptor and heregulin positive breast cancer in 2017.
MM-310, an antibody directed nanoliposome (AND) is currently in a phase I study and the company expects to report about its dosage in 2018 during the recommended phase.
We expect investors’ focus to remain on the company’s update relating to its pipeline development.
Merrimack currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in healthcare sector are VIVUS, Inc. , Bayer AG (BAYRY - Free Report) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN - Free Report) . While VIVUS sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Bayer and Regeneron carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
VIVUS’s loss per share estimates narrowed from 50 cents to 39 cents for 2017 in the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in all four trailing quarters with an average beat of 233.69%.
Regeneron’s earnings per share estimates increased from $10.16 to $10.52 for 2017 and from $10.90 to $12.10, over the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in two of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 0.45%.
Bayer’s earnings per share estimates increased from $8.75 to $8.86 for 2017 and from $9.41 to $9.53 for 2018, over the last 30 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in three of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 10.25%.
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Merrimack Completes Enrollment in Phase II Study for MM-141
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MACK - Free Report) announced completion of enrollment in the ongoing phase II study CARRIE, evaluating its pipeline candidate MM-141 (istiratumab) in combination with standard of care for treatment of patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer.
In Nov 2014, the FDA had granted an orphan drug designation to MM-141 for treating pancreatic cancer.
Shares of Merrimack have significantly underperformed the Zacks classified Medical-Biomed/Genetics industry so far this year. The stock has suffered 70.9% compared with the broader industry’s increase of 6.3%.
The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase II study was initiated in May 2015. The study is designed to evaluate MM-141 in patients with high levels of the IGF-1 protein, which plays a role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and high levels of free IGF-1 were randomized to receive either MM-141 plus nab-paclitaxel/Gemzar chemotherapy or placebo plus chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of the trial is progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, safety and tolerability. Data from the study is expected in the first half of 2018.
Apart from MM-141, there are other promising candidates in the company’s portfolio undergoing evaluation for tending to different types of cancer – MM-121 and MM-310.
MM-121 is being evaluated for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in an ongoing trial. The candidate will also be examined in a more focused proof-of-concept study with top line data expected by the end of 2018.
The company also plans to assess the candidate in a phase II clinical study on patients with HER2 negative hormone receptor and heregulin positive breast cancer in 2017.
MM-310, an antibody directed nanoliposome (AND) is currently in a phase I study and the company expects to report about its dosage in 2018 during the recommended phase.
We expect investors’ focus to remain on the company’s update relating to its pipeline development.
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price | Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Quote
Zacks Rank & Key Picks
Merrimack currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in healthcare sector are VIVUS, Inc. , Bayer AG (BAYRY - Free Report) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN - Free Report) . While VIVUS sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Bayer and Regeneron carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
VIVUS’s loss per share estimates narrowed from 50 cents to 39 cents for 2017 in the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in all four trailing quarters with an average beat of 233.69%.
Regeneron’s earnings per share estimates increased from $10.16 to $10.52 for 2017 and from $10.90 to $12.10, over the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in two of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 0.45%.
Bayer’s earnings per share estimates increased from $8.75 to $8.86 for 2017 and from $9.41 to $9.53 for 2018, over the last 30 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in three of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 10.25%.
Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>>