Bayer HealthCare reports positive data from ATX-101 trials

Bayer HealthCare has reported positive clinical data from a pair of new studies of ATX-101, a treatment for submental fat.

In the two pivotal European phase III trials, the drug was shown to offer significant benefits compared to placebo in terms of its efficacy in minimising unwanted fat under the chin.

If approved, ATX-101 would become the first non-surgical treatment option available for this purpose, with the phase III data backing up conclusions from earlier-stage studies conducted by the manufacturer.

The drug has been co-developed by Bayer HealthCare and Kythera, following the agreement of a collaborative deal in August 2010.

Dr Eugene O'Keefe, vice-president and head of global development for dermatology at Bayer HealthCare, said: "We have applied the same rigorous and evidence-based development approach to this drug as we customarily do with our other prescription drugs for the treatment of dermatological diseases and disorders."

Earlier this month, Bayer announced that it will be expanding its cancer research alliance with Amgen to cover the development of a new compound.