"Ligand Pharmaceuticals today announced positive preliminary results from the Phase IIb study for PS433540, the first-in-class Dual Acting Receptor Agonist (DARA) that targets the angiotensin and endothelin receptors.
The 261-patient, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled study evaluated safety and efficacy at three different doses in subjects with Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension over 12 weeks of treatment. PS433540 was found to be safe and well tolerated and demonstrated statistically significant greater reductions in blood pressure than placebo. The high dose of PS433540 produced a statistically significantly greater reduction in blood pressure than the active comparator, irbesartan which was tested at its highest approved dose.
PS433540 (DARA) is a program Ligand acquired as part of its acquisition of Pharmacopeia in December 2008. Given the drug's unique mechanism of action targeting the angiotensin and endothelin receptors, DARA has the potential for treating diabetic nephropathy. Going forward, Ligand plans to pursue discussions with potential collaborators to partner the program based on the data obtained up to this point. While Ligand is pleased with the outcome of this Phase IIb trial, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to secure a partnership for the program."
Market Data 
Markets 
AI
