Sep 15 2011
PROLOR Biotech, Inc., (NYSE Amex: PBTH), today reported positive results from a comparative study of its biobetter longer-acting version of the hemophilia drug Factor VIIa (Factor VIIa-CTP) in hemophilic mice. The study was designed to measure the potential increase in half-life and clotting activity of PROLOR's long-acting CTP-modified Factor VIIa when compared with commercially available recombinant Factor VIIa. Factor VIIa is indicated for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes and as therapy for prevention of bleeding in hemophilia A and hemophilia B patients who have developed inhibitors against treatment with either Factor VIII or Factor IX.
In the preclinical study, Factor VIIa-CTP, when compared with commercially available Factor VIIa, demonstrated a significantly longer half-life and duration of clotting activity in the hemophilic mice model.
"We believe the results of our first Factor VIIa-CTP preclinical study are very promising and they are consistent with the results we obtained from a preclinical study of our other blood coagulant agent in development, clotting Factor IX-CTP, which we reported earlier this year also demonstrated significant potential in animal models of hemophilia," noted Shai Novik, President of PROLOR. "With the positive results from this Factor VIIa-CTP study, we now have what we believe are two highly competitive coagulation therapies in development that address a target market estimated at approximately $2 billion."
"We believe there is great need among hemophilia patients and their physicians for new therapies that will provide prolonged protection from bleeding," said Dr. Abraham Havron, CEO of PROLOR. "The encouraging results seen in our preclinical hemophilia study show that Factor VIIa-CTP may be able to offer an improved therapeutic option to the many hemophilia patients who are not well protected by current therapies."