Ardea Biosciences, Inc. (RDEA)

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Ardea lead drug performing well in midstage study
Ardea Biosciences lead drug candidate shows promising interim results in midstage study
On Thursday June 11, 2009, 3:19 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Ardea Biosciences Inc. said Thursday its lead drug candidate showed promising interim results in a midstage study aimed at treating gout and hyperuricemia.

Both conditions involve a higher-than-normal level of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as swelling and pain in joints. The study on RDEA594 involves 20 patients.

So far, 86 percent of patients have responded to the drug. On average, patients taking the drug candidate had a 40 percent reduction in uric acid levels.

Full dosing in the study is expected to be complete in late June, with full study results planned for a presentation at an upcoming scientific conference, the company said.

"These very encouraging interim data from our Phase 2a study have confirmed the activity and safety of RDEA594 in gout patients and our formulation and dose selections for the upcoming Phase 2b program," said Ardea President and Chief Executive Barry D. Quart, in a statement.

Shares of Ardea Biosciences rose 50 cents, or 3.3 percent, to reach $15.74 in afternoon trading. The stock has traded between $6.29 and $16.75 over the past 52 weeks.