Intercept (ICPT) Releases Data From Phase II Flint Trial

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICPT) announced a retrospective analysis of the phase II trial, FLINT, in patients who were diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and type II diabetes. In fact, Obeticholic acid (OCA) is an investigational therapy for the treatment of NASH. These results were presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Session.

Intercept’s share price movement year to date indicates that the stock has outperformed the Zacks classified Medical-Biomedical/Genetics industry. The company’s shares rallied 8.6% compared favorably with the industry’s 2.3% gain.

Notably, a greater percentage of the OCA-treated patients who were diagnosed with NASH and type II diabetes at baseline, met the primary endpoint. They showed a ≥2-point improvement in NAFLD activity score (NAS) without worsening of fibrosis, at week 72 as compared to placebo (57% versus 21%). More than twice as many OCA-treated patients with fibrosis experienced ≥1 stage of fibrosis improvement as compared with patients in the placebo group.

In addition, the patients treated with OCA showed more reduction in body weight from baseline compared to an increase in weight in the placebo group. Also, OCA administration did not impact glycemic control over 72-week treatment period.

Post-hoc analysis showed that patients with both type II diabetes and NASH had high rates of advanced fibrosis.

It should be noted that the FLINT trial results demonstrated that OCA is the potential therapy for the NASH patient population with diabetes, who are at the highest risk of progressing to cirrhosis and adverse outcomes.

Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider

Intercept carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in health care sector include VIVUS, Inc. (NASDAQ:VVUS) , MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEIP) and Sanofi (NYSE:SNY) . While VIVUS and MEI Pharma sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Sanofi carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

VIVUS’ loss per share estimates have narrowed from 502 cents to 39 cents for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in all the four trailing quarters, with an average beat of 233.69%. The share price of the company has increased 0.9% year to date.

MEI Pharma’s estimates have moved up from loss per share of 1 cent to gain per share of the same for 2017, over the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in three of the four trailing quarters, with average beat of 66.56%. The share price of the company has increased 28.5% year to date.

Sanofi’s earnings per share estimates have increased from $3.08 to $3.18 for 2017 and from $3.26 to $3.30 for 2018 over the last 30 days. The company came up with positive earnings surprises in two of the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 5.10%. The share price of the company has increased 17.6% year to date.

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