QLT Unveils Positive Retreatment Study Data

QLT Inc. (QLTI) announced encouraging final data on its pipeline candidate QLT091001 from an international, multi-center phase Ib retreatment extension study (n=27). The study evaluated the candidate in patients with inherited retinal disease leber congenital amaurosis (:LCA) or retinitis pigmentosa (RP) due to mutations in the LRAT and RPE65 genes.

Specifically, the extension study assessed those LCA or RP patients with RPE65 or LRAT mutations who had undergone treatment with a single course of QLT091001 in the already completed phase Ib study. The patients in the extension phase were treated with up to three doses (10 mg/m2, 40 mg/m2 or 60 mg/m2) of QLT091001 (each of seven-day duration) to evaluate visual outcomes and safety following retreatment with the ophthalmic candidate. Most patients were treated with the 40 mg/m2 dosage.

Results were in line with data revealed in February this year, reaffirming the efficacy of the candidate. Results demonstrated clinically significant improvements in visual fields following repeated dosing with QLT091001. QLT also presented encouraging results at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Retina Society.

Though pleased with the positive results on QLT091001, we believe investor focus will remain on the impending merger between Canada-based QLT and the U.S.-based Auxilium Pharmaceuticals (AUXL) (read more: Auxilium and QLT to Merge on Tax Saving Attractions).

QLTI carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Better-ranked stocks in the health care space include Allergan (AGN) and Regado Biosciences (RGDO). Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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