BiolineRX Ltd. (Nasdaq: BLRX); TASE:BLRX) today announced positive results for the Phase IIa clinical trial of BL-7040, an oral treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study found that BL-7040 is safe and effective in treating ulcerative colitis, a form of IBD. The drug was also well tolerated by the study participants, with only mild to moderate adverse events.
BiolineRX's share price rose 7.1% in premarket trading on Nasdaq to $1.95, giving a market cap of $40 million, after rising 9.4% on the TASE to NIS 0.742.
In the study at five Israeli hospitals, patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis were treated with varying dosages of BL-7040 over five weeks, followed by a two-week follow-up. 16 of the 22 patients enrolled completed the study. Half the patients achieved the primary endpoint - a reduction in the Mayo score between baseline and completion of treatment and the other half demonstrated a stable clinical condition or minor improvement. There was no rectal bleeding in six patients, and reduced rectal bleeding in the others.
Half the patients also met certain secondary endpoints, such as a partial Mayo score reduction and mucosal healing evaluated by endoscopy sub-score measurements.
"Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are prevalent conditions that affect the quality of life of millions across the globe. It is estimated that as many as 1.4 million individuals in the US suffer from these diseases. In addition to discomfort, which can be quite extreme, IBD can cause significant complications, including anemia, intestinal abscesses, intestinal perforation and more. Current treatments are far from satisfactory, and many people stand to benefit from a new and effective treatment," said BioLineRx CEO Dr. Kinneret Savitsky.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 17, 2013
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