Following the release of encouraging clinical trial findings, shares of Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTGX) are on a notable surge this morning. PTGX stock was trading at $52.50 as of the last morning-session check, representing a remarkable 36.90% rise.
Positive findings from ANTHEM-UC Trial
Protagonist (PTGX) evaluated icotrokinra (JNJ-2113) as a possible therapy for moderately to highly active ulcerative colitis (UC) and reported positive topline findings from its Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC research. The first targeted oral peptide of its sort to specifically block the IL-23 receptor, a major contributor to inflammatory bowel disorders, is icotrokinra.
The trial’s main goal was accomplished when it showed a clinical response at every tested icotrokinra dosage level. It was conducted in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson. Furthermore, Protagonist had significant changes in significant secondary outcomes at the 12-week point, including endoscopic improvement, symptomatic remission, and clinical remission.
Highlights of Effectiveness and Safety
The findings showed that all three once-daily icotrokinra dosages achieved the primary aim of clinical response by Week 12. It’s interesting to note that the placebo group had a clinical response rate of 27.0%, whereas the maximum dosage had a 63.5% rate.
Additionally, about 30% of patients who got the maximal dosage attained clinical remission at Week 12, compared to just 11.1% in the placebo group. Remission and response rates improved through Week 28, which is encouraging.
Icotrokinra showed a good tolerance profile in terms of safety. Its promise as a well-tolerated therapeutic alternative was further supported by the fact that the frequency of adverse events was constant in both the treatment and placebo groups.
Consequences for Upcoming Therapy
The promising outcomes demonstrate that icotrokinra may be used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases in addition to psoriasis. Protagonist Therapeutics highlighted the significance of its unique oral peptide technology, which continues to provide revolutionary discoveries in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical firms.
Protagonist is still dedicated to moving icotrokinra forward into larger clinical trials, such as research on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Comprehensive data from the ANTHEM-UC study are expected to be presented by PTGX partners at upcoming medical conferences, providing further insight into the drug’s transformative potential in UC treatment.