Yahoo Finance Endo's (ENDP) BLA for Cellulite Treatment Accepted by FDA
Endo International plc ENDP announced that the FDA has accepted for review the original Biologics License Application (BLA) for collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of cellulite in the buttocks.
The BLA is supported by the results of the phase III studies — RELEASE-1 and RELEASE-2.
RELEASE-1 and RELEASE-2 were two identical, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that enrolled 845 women (423 and 422 in each separate trial) aged 18 years or above in the United States with moderate-to-severe cellulite. Each subject received up to three treatments of CCH (0.84 mg/treatment area) or placebo with an interval of around 21 days between each session.
The results of the studies showed that CCH delivered a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement as compared to placebo for all primary and secondary endpoints.
The agency set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) or target action date of Jul 6, 2020.
A potential approval of CCH should boost Endo’s top line, given the wide market potential.
Earlier this month, Endo reported better-than-expected results for the third quarter, wherein it beat on both earnings and sales on the back of Xiaflex. Xiaflex’s performance has been solid in the year so far on higher demand in both Peyronie's disease and Dupuytren's contracture. The Sterile Injectables segment has also boosted the top line, owing to continued strong growth in Vasostrict, Adrenalin and Aplisol.
Shares of Endo have lost 39.1% in the year so far against the industry’s 7.8% growth. It has been embroiled in various opioid litigations lately, which affected the share price.
Apart from Endo, many pharma companies like Mallinckrodt MNK and Teva Pharma TEVA are embroiled in multiple opioid litigations filed by several states, counties and political subdivisions in the United States regarding the abuse of opioid-based drugs. The industry players are accused of faulty marketing practices, which downplayed addiction risks from these drugs and spurred their consumption instead.
Zacks Rank & A Stock to Consider
Endo currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in this space is Jazz Pharmaceuticals JAZZ, which sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Jazz’s earnings per share estimates have increased to $15.81 from $14.98 for 2019 in the past 30 days.
More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!
It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.
Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.
Click here for the 6 trades >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Endo International plc (ENDP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (JAZZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
