Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Karyopharm's Liposarcoma Candidate Superior in Phase II Study

Read MoreHide Full Article

Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI - Free Report) announced positive data from a phase II portion of phase II/III SEAL study, demonstrating superiority of its liposarcoma candidate, selinexor, in improving progression free survival (PFS) when compared to a placebo. The company’s oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export compound is being evaluated in patients with advanced unresectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma who have received prior treatment.

Karyopharm’s shares were up more than 6% on Wednesday. In fact, shares of the company are  have risen 18.7% year to date, outperforming the industry’s gain of 1.5%.

Data from the phase II study demonstrated that selinexor achieved the primary endpoint pf PFS by reducing the risk of progression or death in liposarcoma patients by 40%. In a separate assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO), the candidate prolonged the PFS by 16%. The detailed analysis of the study will be presented at a future medical meeting.

The company has already initiated the phase III portion of the SEAL study where 60mg of selinexor administered to patients until disease progression or intolerability will be compared to a placebo. The FDA-approved PFS is the primary endpoint of the study. Top-line data from this study will be available in 2019.

Liposarcoma is a rare form of cancer, which occurs in the soft tissues of the body, especially fatty tissues. The disease is generally treated with surgery in combination with radiation therapy. Hence, an oral dose medicine is a better option for patients.

However, there are drugs that are administered intravenously for treating advanced liposarcoma patients. These include Johnson & Johnson’s (JNJ - Free Report) Yondelis and Eisai Co., Ltd.’s Halaven.

Karyopharm is also evaluating selinexor in several mid- and later-phase studies in multiple cancer indications, the most advanced being the phase III study of the candidate in combination with J&J’s Velcade in multiple myeloma patients. Selinexor is also being evaluated in patients with gynecological malignancies.

Zacks Rank & Stock to Consider

Karyopharm has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a better-ranked stock in the biotech sector, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals’ earnings per share estimates have moved up 5.3% to $5.60 for 2017 and 7.6% to $7.06 for 2018 over the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 11.12%. Share price of the company has increased 16.8% year to date.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>


Unique Zacks Analysis of Your Chosen Ticker


Pick one free report - opportunity may be withdrawn at any time


Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - $25 value - yours FREE >>

Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (KPTI) - $25 value - yours FREE >>

Published in