Adamas Epilepsy Drug Shows Positive Result In Phase Ia Study

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMS) announced positive data from the phase Ia study evaluating ADS-4101 (lacosamide) for the treatment of partial onset seizures in epilepsy. ADS-4101 is a modified version of UCB SA’s (UCBJF) Vimpat, which is approved in the U.S., EU and Japan for the same indication.

So far this year, Adamas’ share price has outperformed the Zacks categorized Medical-Generic Drugs industry. The stock lost 6.6% compared with a decrease of 8.5% for the broader industry.

ADS-4101 and Vimpat have the same compound, lacosamide. However, ADS-4101 is a modified release capsule and Vimpat is an immediate release tablet.

The phase Ia study compared pharmacokinetics (PK) and tolerability of four 400 mg dose formulations of ADS-4101 with Vimpat to guide the selection of an ADS-4101 formulation for further clinical development. The data showed better tolerability for all single 400 mg doses of ADS-4101 in healthy volunteers in comparison to the equivalent dose of Vimpat.

Based on the positive data from the phase Ia study, the company has initiated its phase Ib study to evaluate the tolerability and PK profile of three ascending doses (200 mg for week 1, 400 mg for week 2 and 600 mg in week 3) of once daily ADS-4101 administered at bedtime compared to ascending doses (100 mg in Week 1, 150 mg in Week 2 and 200 mg in Week 3) of twice daily VIMPAT tablets. Top line data from this study are expected in the third quarter of 2017.

We note that the company’s most advanced candidate, ADS-5102 is being evaluated for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia associated with Parkinson’s disease and walking impairment in people with multiple sclerosis. A new drug application supporting ADS-5102 for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease was submitted in Oct 2016 and is under review by the FDA with a PDUFA date of Aug 24, 2017.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Adamas Pharma currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include VIVUS, Inc. (NASDAQ:VVUS) , sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy),and Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALDX) and Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) , carrying Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.

VIVUS’ loss per share estimates narrowed from 50 cents to 39 cents for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted positive earnings surprises in all of the four trailing quarters, with an average beat of 233.69%.

Aldeyra’ loss per share estimates narrowed from $1.86 to $1.69 cents for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted positive earnings surprises in three of the four trailing quarters, with an average beat of 21.91%.

Zoetis’ earnings per share estimates increased from $2.32 to $2.34 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted positive earnings surprises in all of the four trailing quarters, with an average beat of 9.82%.

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