London, UK, 8 August 2012: BTG plc (LSE: BTG), announces top-line data from a global double-blind Phase IIb study comparing the efficacy and safety of two doses of AZD9773 (CytoFab™) with placebo in patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock, conducted by AstraZeneca.
Treatment with AZD9773 did not show any significant improvements versus placebo in respect of the primary endpoint, ventilator-free days, or secondary endpoints including mortality.
In light of these data, AstraZeneca has decided to halt any further development of AZD9773 for the treatment of severe sepsis and/or septic shock, and will hand the asset back to BTG.
Louise Makin, BTG’s CEO, commented: “These results are obviously disappointing, as the treatment of severe sepsis remains a major unmet need. Our core business and trading continue on track, as described in our recent interim management statement.”
BTG does not anticipate conducting any further development of AZD9773. Consequently, BTG anticipates taking a charge of approximately £28m in the current financial year, of which £25m relates to a non-cash impairment of intangible and tangible fixed assets. |
