Positive phase 2 data for Zafgen's beloranib in obese type 2 diabetes patients
Following a 6-month treatment period, weight loss was 12.7% (p<0.0001) and 13.5 percent (p<0.0001) in the 1.8 mg and the 1.2 mg beloranib groups, respectively, and 3.1% in the placebo group. In addition, 2.0% decreases in HbA1c at 6 months in both beloranib groups vs 0.6% decrease in the placebo group were observed (Zafgen press release, 18 February 2016).
The one-year trial was terminated early because of an FDA clinical hold which was imposed following cases of pulmonary embolism among patients treated with beloranib in a phase 3 trial in Prader-Willi Syndrome patients. In this phase 2 trial there was one case pulmonary embolism in a patient treated with beloranib.
The strong efficacy data has the potential to make this drug best in class within obesity. However given the safety issues continued development in this population seems highly uncertain. Zafgen is reportedly in a dialogue with the FDA regarding the development of a risk mitigation strategy for beloranib that may allow for development in Prader-Willi Syndrome. |