KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals presents its two Phase 2 clinical study results

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (KYTHERA) today presented detailed results from two double-blind Phase 2 studies, each designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ATX-101, a first-in-class injectable drug for the reduction of small volumes of fat. Top-line results from these studies, which examined use of ATX-101 for reduction of unwanted localized fat deposits under the chin (submental fat), were announced in January 2009.

Kevin C. Smith MD, FAAD, FRCPC presented study results in Scientific Session at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery (ASCDAS) Joint Annual Meeting. A recap of the data presentation will be available online at http://www.kytherabiopharma.com/investors.html for seven days.

“ATX-101 shows promise for patients who are seeking a minimally invasive treatment for unwanted localized submental fat,” said Kevin C. Smith, a Canadian investigator in both Phase 2 studies. “The significant reduction we saw in submental fat for patients treated with ATX-101 illustrates its potential as a safe, simple prescription aesthetic product.”

In total, one hundred fifty-seven subjects were randomized in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging studies conducted across 10 centers in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Across these studies, subjects received one of five dosing regimens of ATX-101 or placebo; one dosing regimen was duplicated between studies.

In each study analyzed independently, two of the three dosing regimens tested yielded a statistically significant reduction of unwanted submental fat compared to placebo as measured by physician assessment (ATX-101-06-03 both p<0.05, and ATX-101-07-07 both p<0.01). Submental fat was evaluated at baseline and week 16, using a 5-point Submental Fat Rating Scale.

Similarly, subject self-assessment indicates that treatment with ATX-101 yielded statistically significant improvement in three of three (ATX-101-06-03, all p<0.05) and two of three (ATX-101-07-07, both p<0.01) dosing regimens versus placebo. Subjects were asked to rate appearance at baseline and week 16, using a 7-point Subject Satisfaction Rating Scale.

As presented at the ASDS Meeting, the five active dosing regimens tested were collapsed into three overall dose groups (1, 2 and 4 mg/cm²). Treatment with ATX-101 resulted in statistically significant results on both physician and subject assessments versus placebo (baseline to week 16) in all dose groups (p<0.05).

“We’re very pleased with the outcome of these robust trials. The safety profile and the statistically significant efficacy in patients receiving ATX-101 strongly support expansion of our product development efforts,” said Patricia Walker, MD, PhD, KYTHERA’s Chief Medical Officer.

In both studies, ATX-101 was well tolerated. The most common adverse events were mild pain, swelling, numbing at the injection site, bruising, and induration. These adverse events were limited to the injection site, and most were temporally associated with treatment and resolved within the treatment interval of 28 days. No systemic adverse events were reported.

In long-term follow-up (63 weeks post baseline), the reduction in submental fat for ATX-101-treated patients was sustained.