Allergan discloses Phase II miss in LXR program

Allergan plc (NYSE:AGN) said VTP-38543 did not show proof of concept in a Phase II trial to treat atopic dermatitis. Allergan acquired the liver X receptor beta (NR1H2; LXR-b) agonist via its $639 million purchase of Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VTAE) in a deal completed last week (see BioCentury Extra, Sept. 14).

During Allergan's 3Q16 earnings conference call Wednesday, Allergan Chief R&D Officer C. David Nicholson said that "target engagement was not satisfactorily achieved" in the study, and that the company intends to re-evaluate the concentration and formulation used...