Improved inspiratory function in Duchenne patients on Santhera's Raxone, Phase III data show

Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) was trading more than 3% higher on Tuesday afternoon after new Phase III data was published on Raxone (idebenone) on inspiratory function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), just days after the granting of orphan drug designation for the same treatment in Australia.

The assessment of dynamic inspiratory function provides valuable information about the degree and progression of pulmonary involvement in patients with DMD.

Data now published in Pediatric Pulmonology from the pivotal DELOS trial showed a statistically-significant improvement in this function among patients using Raxone, as well as other benefits, said Thomas Meier, chief executive of the Swiss drugmaker.