DEVON, Pa., Aug. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZYNE), a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative transdermal synthetic cannabinoid treatments, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 and provided an overview of recent operational highlights.
“We expect to announce top-line results from the STAR 1 trial soon, followed by top-line data from the STOP trial later this month; and we remain on track to report top-line results from the FAB-C Fragile X study in September,” said Armando Anido, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We also met a significant milestone during the quarter in initiating the Phase 1 program for ZYN001, a pro-drug of THC delivered via patch, and expect to initiate our Phase 2 program by the end of this year. With two clinical stage assets, Zynerba is well-positioned to address a number of serious unmet medical needs.”
Second Quarter 2017 and Recent Highlights
Completed Dosing in Phase 2 STAR 1 Clinical Trial for ZYN002 Cannabidiol (CBD) Gel in Adult Epilepsy Patients; Top Line Data Expected Soon
A total of 188 patients were randomized in the Phase 2 STAR 1 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in adult patients with refractory epilepsy, exceeding the 180-patient enrollment target. Following randomization, patients were dosed with either 195 mg or 390 mg of CBD in ZYN002 4.2% gel or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial is the median reduction in seizure frequency per 28-day period compared to baseline.
Dosing Continues in Phase 2 STAR 2 Open-Label Extension Clinical Trial for ZYN002 CBD Gel in Adult Epilepsy Patients
Ninety-eight percent of the patients who completed the STAR 1 trial elected to enroll into the STAR 2 trial, designed to evaluate long-term safety and tolerability of ZYN002 CBD gel across a range of doses. In the open-label extension study, patients receive a high or low-dose of ZYN002 (390 mg or 195 mg of CBD in ZYN002 4.2% gel daily, respectively) for up to 52 weeks.
Completed Dosing of Phase 2 STOP Clinical Trial for ZYN002 CBD Gel in Adult Osteoarthritis Patients; Top Line Data Expected this Month
Dosing is complete in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 STOP trial in osteoarthritis of the knee. We exceeded the initial target enrollment of 300 patients with 320 patients randomized into one of three dosing groups. Patients received either 250 mg or 500 mg of CBD in ZYN002 4.2% gel or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial is the change from baseline in the weekly mean of the 24-hour average worst pain score at week 12.
Completed Enrollment in FAB-C Exploratory Phase 2 Clinical Trial of ZYN002 CBD Gel in Pediatric Fragile X Syndrome Patients; Top Line Data Expected in September 2017
Enrollment is complete and dosing is ongoing in the Phase 2 exploratory FAB-C clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ZYN002 CBD gel administered over a 12-week period in pediatric patients with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). We exceeded the initial target enrollment of 16 patients with 20 patients enrolled. The study is evaluating 50 mg of CBD in ZYN002 4.2% gel once daily, which may be titrated up to 125 mg two times per day during the six-week titration period. Between weeks six and twelve, patients receive a maintenance dose of 50 mg, 100 mg or 250 mg daily of CBD in ZYN002 4.2% gel. The primary objective is to assess intra-patient changes in anxiety, depression and mood (as measured by the ADAMS scale) versus baseline. The U.S. Food and Drug Association has granted orphan-drug designation to ZYN002 CBD gel for the treatment of Fragile X syndrome.
Initiated Phase 1 Program for ZYN001 Pro-drug of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Delivered via Transdermal Patch
The company has initiated a Phase 1 program to assess ZYN001, a patent-protected, pro-drug of THC delivered via a patch. This first in man study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial. First, the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of a single dose of ZYN001 versus placebo will be evaluated. Several formulations and patch wear times ranging from 24 hours to 7 days will be assessed in up to 48 healthy subjects. Based on results from the single dose portion of this trial, two formulations will be evaluated in multiple patch applications for 14 days in up to 32 healthy subjects who will be randomized 3:1 to ZYN001 or placebo. Results from this study will inform the planned Phase 2 program for ZYN001 in fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, expected to initiate in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results
As of June 30, 2017, cash and cash equivalents were $70.2 million, compared to $77.5 million as of March 31, 2017. Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2017 were $5.7 million, including stock-based compensation of $0.6 million. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2017 were $2.6 million, including stock-based compensation expense of $0.8 million. Net loss for the second quarter of 2017 was $8.3 million with basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.64.
Financial Outlook
The Company believes that the current cash and cash equivalent position of $70.2 million is sufficient to develop five Phase 3-ready programs and, assuming support from the FDA to move forward, initiate at least one Phase 3 program and fund operations and capital requirements into 2019.
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