Savara Inc.
SVRA
announced that it has dosed the first patient in its pivotal phase III study — IMPALA-2 — evaluating its lead pipeline candidate, molgramostim (formerly Molgradex), in patients with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (“aPAP”), a rare lung disorder.
Savara’s shares have rallied 47.8% so far this year against the
industry
’s decrease of 8.7%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Please note that molgramostim is an inhaled formulation of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
The IMPALA-2 study will evaluate a 300mcg dose of molgramostim in patients with aPAP compared to placebo for improvement in percent predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), a gas exchange measure, as its primary endpoint. The treatment will be measured for primary efficacy endpoint at week 24. However, the company will continue to access efficacy of the candidate for additional 24 weeks to measure the durability of effect.
We note that the candidate previously failed in a phase II/III IMPALA study evaluating it in aPAP patients in 2019. The study had evaluated two dose administrations — once daily continuous administration of and once daily in seven-day intermittent cycles — of 300 mcg molgramostim over 24 weeks for change in alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient.
Although molgramostim had failed in the IMPALA study, results from the study demonstrated that the candidate has potential to be an important pharmacological treatment option for patients with aPAP.
The candidate enjoys Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug designations as a treatment for aPAP in the United States, reflecting its potential as a new treatment option.
We remind investors that the company had discontinued development of AeroVanc last year, following failure in a late-stage study evaluating it in patients with cystic fibrosis who have Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lung infection. The company also announced plans to reduce its workforce and focus primarily on development of molgramostim.
The successful development of molgramostim is key to boost the company’s prospect. Any setback to the candidate can be detrimental to the company.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
Savara currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked small drugmakers include
Opexa Therapeutics
ACER
,
CanFite Biopharma
CANF
and
Xencor
XNCR
, both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see
the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here
.
The consensus estimate for Opexa’s 2021 loss has narrowed from $1.35 per share to $1.12 over the past 60 days. The stock has risen 9.2% this year so far.
CanFite’s loss estimates have narrowed from 72 cents per share to 49 cents per share for 2021 over the past 60 days. The stock has rallied 28.1% this year so far.
Xencor’s loss estimates have narrowed from $3.15 per share to $2.07 per share for 2021 over the past 60 days.
Zacks Names “Single Best Pick to Double”
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
You know this company from its past glory days, but few would expect that it’s poised for a monster turnaround. Fresh from a successful repositioning and flush with A-list celeb endorsements, it could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in a little more than 9 months and Nvidia which boomed +175.9% in one year.
Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days.
Click to get this free report