Life sciences group Abzena plc (LON:ABZA) said on Friday that Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) is advancing its fatty liver treatment into phase III trials following positive phase II results.
Gilead’s experimental drug GS-4997 – also known as selonsertib – was tested both on its own and in combination with its investigational monoclonal antibody simtuzumab – which contains Abzena’s technology – to treat patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Results from the trial showed that patients treated in the trial showed a reduction in the build-up of scar tissue.
US-based Gilead said it will now look to move the treatment into a phase III trial subject to regulatory approvals.
“We are encouraged by these data demonstrating the anti-fibrotic effect of GS-4997 in patients with NASH after only 24 weeks of treatment,” said Gilead chief scientific officer Norbert Bischofberger.
“Pending discussions with regulatory agencies, we plan to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial program of GS-4997 in patients with NASH.”
The firm added that the treatment was well tolerated, with no major side effects arising from the drug.
Simtuzumab is one of twelve products created using Abzena's Composite Human Antibody technology that its partners are progressing in clinical development.
Gilead made no statement regarding any other clinical studies of simtuzumab or future development plans for this antibody.
Abzena shares were down 1p, or 2%, to 41p.