Dyax says drug was effective in angioedema trial

Dyax Corp. said today that its lead drug candidate DX-88 met its goals in a late-stage clinical trial, reducing symptoms of a genetic blood disorder more effectively than a placebo.

In the trial, 96 patients with hereditary angioedema were given either an injection of DX-88, also called ecallantide, or a placebo. The main goal of the trial was a reduction in symptoms, and 93.8 percent of patients who received DX-88 reported reduced symptoms after four hours. Only 58.3 percent of patients who took a placebo reported improvement.

Hereditary angioedema is a potentially fatal genetic disorder involving a deficiency of a certain type of protein in blood plasma. Its symptoms include swelling of the face, hands, feet and throat.

Secondary goals of the trial included sustainability and durability of response. In total, 43.8 percent of the DX-88 patients said their improvement lasted 24 hours, while only 20.8 percent of the placebo group experienced the same improvement.

DX-88 was given in a 30-milligram injection. Dyax said the drug was well-tolerated and there were no serious side effects.

DX-88 is being tested as a treatment for moderate to severe attacks of the condition. Based on the trial results, Dyax said it plans to complete its application to the Food and Drug Administration early in the fourth quarter.

In premarket trading, Dyax shares jumped $1.07, or 24.7 percent, to $5.40, which put them on pace to open at an annual high. The stock closed at $4.33 on Friday. (AP)