Preclinical data on diabetese drug showed an unsafe profile.
Akesis Pharmaceuticals has terminated development on its diabetes treatment and will file for bankruptcy. AKP-020 was its only compound in clinical development in Phase IIa trials.
The decision was made because of negative results from a three-month preclinical safety program, says Carl LeBel, Ph.D., president and CEO. “Based on the renal changes resulting from the doses used in our preclinical safety program, the company and its expert advisors have determined that the safety profile of AKP-020 makes it no longer viable as a drug candidate in a chronic disease setting.
“Based on the discontinuation of our sole clinical development program, our cash position, and current economic conditions, we have determined that we can no longer operate as a business enterprise,” Dr. LeBel concludes.
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