Entera Bio, OPKO Health Announce Positive Results For Oxyntomodulin Animal Models Against Obesity

(RTTNews) - Entera Bio Ltd. (ENTX), and Opko Health Inc. (OPK) Wednesday announced positive pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic results from their ongoing collaborative study of oral Oxyntomodulin or OXM against obesity and metabolic disorders.

OXM is a naturally occurring peptide hormone found in the small intestine that acts to suppress appetite and induce weight loss, the company added. OXM is studied as a potential once-daily treatment for patients with obesity, metabolic and fibrotic disorders.

During an in vivo proof of concept study in rodent and pig models, the oral OXM demonstrated significant systemic exposure, a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and bioavailability.

The oral OXM showed a statistically significant reduction in plasma glucose levels post-glucose administration compared with placebo during a glucose tolerance test in rats.

"These bioavailability and pharmacological data support continuing toward IND-enabling efforts for the program," said Miranda Toledano, Entera Chief Executive Officer.

Currently, Entera's stock is dropping 3.06 percent, to $1.90 on the Nasdaq.