Agios Presents Data On AG-221 - Analyst Blog

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AGIO announced new encouraging data from the ongoing phase I study on candidate, AG-221, among patients suffering from IDH2 mutant positive hematologic malignancies.

The data was presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Italy. The new data confirmed the previously presented data on AG-221's clinical activity, safety profile and unique mechanism of action.

It was observed in the study that AG-221 showed favorable drug exposure and pharmacokinetics at all doses tested with substantial reductions in plasma levels of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). Moreover, it was observed that AG-221 was well tolerated.

We note that AG-221 is one of the most advanced candidates in Agios' pipeline. The candidate is being evaluated for the treatment of patients suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Based on promising safety and efficacy data from the studies so far on AG-221, Agios plans to initiate four expansion cohorts in the second half of 2014 – relapsed/refractory AML patients aged 60 years and above, relapsed/refractory AML patients aged under 60 years, untreated AML patients who decline standard of care chemotherapy, and patients with other IDH2 mutant positive hematologic malignancies (such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, etc.).

Agios, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the treatment of patients suffering from cancer and inborn errors of metabolism (IEM).

The lead candidates in the cancer pipeline are AG-221 and AG-120, targeting mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 and 1 while the lead candidate in the IEM program is AG-348.

Agios is developing AG-221 under a collaboration agreement with Celgene Corporation CELG.

Celgene recently exercised its exclusive option to license AG-221, thereby gaining worldwide development and commercialization rights for AG-221 while Agios continues to conduct early clinical development and regulatory activities within the AG-221 development program.

Agios Pharma currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors looking for better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector may consider companies like Gilead Sciences GILD and Allergan AGN. Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).