Ipsen reports positive data from carcinoid syndrome drug trial

Ipsen has announced positive top-line results from Elect, a phase III study assessing the effect of Somatuline Autogel/Somatuline Depot in the treatment of carcinoid syndrome.

Findings from the trial revealed that Somatuline delivered significant improvements in the control of symptoms in patients with neuroendocrine tumours associated with carcinoid syndrome, compared with those receiving a placebo.

Ipsen's drug successfully decreased the number of days patients needed to use rescue medication to regulate their symptoms, while the safety profile of the therapy was consistent with previous findings.

Somatuline is already approved for the treatment of symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome in neuroendocrine tumours in various international markets, but has not been ratified for this application in the US.

Claude Bertrand, executive vice-president for research and development and chief scientific officer of Ipsen, said: "We believe that the full package of data, once released, will provide important insights to the treatment of gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour patients."

According to Ipsen's most recent financial report, strong sales of Somatuline and Dysport were key drivers of growth for the company in the first half of 2013.