Lexicon Phase 2 Study Of LX1033 In IBS-d Shows Differences Between Placebo and LX1033 were Not Statistically Significant

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals

today announced top-line results from an initial Phase 2 study exploring the use of LX1033 in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-d). LX1033 is an investigational drug that inhibits serotonin synthesis in the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to play a role in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The primary endpoint of this study was the change in stool consistency averaged from baseline to day 28. All treatment groups, including placebo, showed significant improvements over time, yet differences between placebo and LX1033 in stool consistency were not statistically significant. Further analyses of the stool consistency data were performed adjusting for early terminations which may have enhanced the placebo response rate. These additional analyses of stool consistency yielded favorable results for the LX1033 500mg three times daily dose group compared to placebo, and some of these findings were associated with statistically significant results (p<0.05). LX1033 reduced the production of plasma 5-HIAA (a biomarker for serotonin synthesis) significantly more than placebo, with the greatest reductions observed in the 500 mg three times daily dose group. This same LX1033 dose also produced the greatest reduction in