Astrazeneca “disappointed” with phase III results for NXY-059

Results from a crucial phase III study of NXY-059 undertaken by AstraZeneca on behalf of Renovis, failed to show a significant reduction on the primary endpoint of stroke-related disability in people given the treatment.

The study did not show that the treatment produced significantly improved neurological status on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, while NXY-059 did not lead to lower the incidence of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage when combined with a thrombolytic agent.

Commenting on the results of the trial, Corey S Goodman, Ph.D, president and chief executive officer of Renovis, said: “We are obviously disappointed by the lack of efficacy shown by NXY-059 in the SAINT II study.

“Stroke is an area of enormous medical need and we had hoped that by NXY-059 might become an important new treatment option for patients and physicians. Unfortunately, the data are clear and although we will continue to review the results from SAINT I and Saint II, we understand AstraZeneca’s decision to discontinue development of NXY-059.”

The company now intends to abandon development of the drug, one of a number of similar neuroprotectant treatments launched within the industry that have not been successful, Reuters reports.