BERKELEY, Calif., May 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XOMA Corporation (Nasdaq:XOMA), a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, today announced that the gevokizumab Phase 3 EYEGUARD-B study, sponsored by its development partner Servier, reached its target exacerbation event as specified in the study design. The objective of the first part of this study is to demonstrate the superiority of gevokizumab, as compared to placebo, on top of the current standard of care (immunosuppressant therapy and oral corticosteroids) in reducing the risk of Behçet's disease uveitis exacerbations and to assess the safety of gevokizumab.
Servier now will begin the process of closing the clinical database and analyzing the data from this part of the study. Servier has provided a detailed schedule of the activities it will undertake to allow the locking of the database. The primary endpoint result is expected in approximately seven weeks. The trial is ongoing and remains double-masked for the extension period of the study.
The Phase 3 EYEGUARD-B study (A randomisEd, double-masked, placebo-controlled studY of the Efficacy of GevokizUmAb in the tReatment of patients with Behçet's Disease uveitis) was designed to enroll patients with a history of Behçet's disease uveitis with ocular involvement of the posterior segment who have experienced a recent ocular exacerbation that was treated successfully with high doses of corticosteroids. Patients were randomized to either a 60 mg dose of gevokizumab or placebo administered subcutaneously once monthly on top of their current immunosuppressive and corticosteroid therapies. The primary endpoint is the time to first acute ocular exacerbation.
About Behçet's Disease and Behçet's Uveitis
Behçet's (pronounced beh-CHETS) disease is an orphan disease that causes chronic inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). Major symptoms can affect the neurological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Painful ulcers in the mouth and on the genitals are hallmarks of the disease. Behçet's disease most commonly affects men and women in their twenties, thirties and forties, and it typically affects more women but is more severe in men. Behçet's disease is referred to as the "Silk Road" disease because it is most common among people from countries along this ancient trade route, including Turkey, eastern Mediterranean countries, Japan and Korea. In the United States, an estimated 15,000 individuals have Behçet's disease.
Behçet's disease uveitis is one of the most severe forms of non-infectious uveitis and affects approximately 60 percent of those with Behçet's disease. Behçet's disease uveitis is characterized by recurrent acute attacks, or exacerbations. Without immediate treatment, major exacerbations of Behçet's uveitis may lead to retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, glaucoma and eventual blindness. Symptoms, which include acute retinal lesions and most often the accumulation of vitreous haze that can block eyesight or the loss of visual acuity, can manifest differently from patient to patient. Available treatments for Behçet's disease uveitis are limited to corticosteroids and off-label use of immunosuppressive drugs, both of which can have significant side effects when used on a chronic basis.
About Gevokizumab
Gevokizumab is a potent monoclonal antibody with unique allosteric modulating properties. It has the potential to treat patients with a wide variety of inflammatory and other diseases. Gevokizumab binds strongly to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and modulates the cellular signaling events that produce inflammation. IL-1 beta has been shown to be involved in a diverse array of disease states, including non-infectious and Behçet's disease uveitis, cardiometabolic disease, and other auto-inflammatory diseases.
Gevokizumab currently is being studied in multiple indications. Global Phase 3 clinical programs are underway, including in Behçet's disease uveitis, non-infectious uveitis and pyoderma gangrenosum. Information about gevokizumab clinical studies can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu.
About XOMA Corporation
XOMA Corporation is a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies. The Company's innovative product candidates are the result of the Company's expertise in developing ground-breaking monoclonal antibodies, including allosteric modulating antibodies, which have created new opportunities to potentially treat a wide range of human diseases. XOMA is developing its lead product gevokizumab (IL-1 beta modulating antibody) with Servier through a global Phase 3 program for Behçet's disease uveitis and non-infectious uveitis. XOMA also has an ongoing Phase 3 study of gevokizumab in pyoderma gangrenosum. Additionally, XOMA's scientific research has produced the XMet platform, which consists of three classes of Selective Insulin Receptor Modulators (SIRMs) antibodies. XOMA 358, the lead antibody in the XMetD program, is an allosteric modulating monoclonal antibody that reduces both the binding of insulin to its receptor and down-regulates insulin signaling and could have a major effect on the treatment of abnormal metabolic states. XOMA 358 recently completed Phase 1 testing. For more information, visit www.xoma.com.
About Servier
Servier is an independent French pharmaceutical research company with a strong international presence in 146 countries that employs more than 21,400 people worldwide. Its development is based on the continuous pursuit of innovation in the therapeutic areas of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurologic, psychiatric, bone and joint diseases, as well as cancer. In 2014, the company recorded revenue of 4 billion euros, 92 percent of which was generated from sales outside of France, and reinvested 28 percent of the revenue in Research and Development activities. More information is available at: www.servier.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated timing of the release of clinical data, regulatory approval of unapproved product candidates, the anticipated process of clinical data analysis, the anticipated success of any clinical trial, or statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks inherent in the biotechnology industry and for companies engaged in the development of new products in a regulated market. Potential risks to XOMA meeting these expectations are described in more detail in XOMA's most recent filing on Form 10-K and in other SEC filings. Consider such risks carefully when considering XOMA's prospects. Any forward-looking statement in this press release represents XOMA's views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. XOMA disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.