Atox Bio announced the Phase 3 ACCUTE study, evaluating Reltecimod (previously AB103) in patients with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, will continue as planned without modification based on the successful completion of a pre-specified futility analysis. The recommendation was made by the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) after evaluating efficacy and safety data from the first 102 patients enrolled.
"We're making significant progress in our mission to develop the first therapeutic specifically approved for NSTI patients," Dan Teleman, Chief Executive Officer of Atox Bio said. "We look forward to continued collaboration with all of the high caliber investigators and study coordinators who are participating in the trial."
Reltecimod (AB103) is a rationally designed peptide that binds to the CD28 co-stimulatory receptor to modulate the host's immune response to severe infections. By limiting, but not inhibiting, the body's acute inflammatory response, Reltecimod helps control the immune system in cases where an out of proportion response could otherwise quickly lead to morbidity and mortality.
Reltecimod received Orphan Drug status from the FDA and EMA as well as Fast Track designation.
NSTIs, commonly referred to as "flesh eating bacteria", represent the most severe, rare types of infections involving the skin, skin structure and soft tissues. NSTIs progress rapidly and often result in significant tissue destruction and systemic disease leading to multiple organ dysfunction, failure and death. Currently, there are no approved treatments for NSTIs - the standard of care includes prompt and repeated surgical debridement, aggressive resuscitation and physiologic support, in addition to antibiotics.
The phase 3 ACCUTE (AB103 Clinical Composite endpoint Study in necrotizing soft Tissue infections) study is an ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled study, that plans to enroll 290 patients with NSTI at approximately 60 level 1 trauma sites in the U.S. Patients receive Reltecimod or placebo, administered as a single dose during or shortly after surgical debridement, in addition to standard of care treatment. The primary end point is a clinical composite that evaluates both the local and systemic components of this disease.