Antisense's ATL1103 shows promise in acromegaly

Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) said results from a successful phase II trial of its ATL1103 drug candidate suggest that the treatment can help control the potentially life-threatening growth disorder acromegaly.

ATL1103 achieved a statistically significant reduction in serum insulin-like growth factor I (sIGF I) levels in treated patients - the primary efficacy endpoint for the trial.

All patients demonstrated lower sIGF-I levels from baseline at week 14, with an average reduction of 26%.

Greater reductions were observed in patients with lower body weights - up to 36% for the group that received 5.5 mg per kilogram per week.

The trial’s chief investigator, Christie NHS Foundation Trust professor of endocrinology Dr Peter Trainer, said this is a promising result considering the acknowledged need for more therapies for acromegaly.

“The results achieved in this phase II trial suggest ATL1103 with appropriate dose adjustment should be capable of achieving disease control in a significant proportion of patients,” he said.

“ATL1103’s profile as a potentially efficacious and well-tolerated conventionally dosed therapy strongly supports its move into phase III stage of development.”

Safety data to date also indicates no problems with withdrawal and no serious adverse events associated with ATL1103 dosing, suggesting that the treatment may be tolerated at higher dose levels.

Acromegaly is a chronic disease triggered by excess secretion of growth hormone by benign pituitary tumours. It is characterised by abnormal growth of the face, hands and feet, and enlargement of body organs including the liver, kidney and heart.

Primary existing treatment options are limited to surgical removal of the pituitary gland, or expensive ongoing drug therapy costing in the range of $30,000-$60,000 per year.

Antisense Therpaeutics (ASX:ANP) shares were trading 10% lower at $0.135 as of around 2 pm on Thursday