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Kythera Newsroom

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals Announces Discontinuation Of Actinic Keratosis Clinical Program

December 20, 2007

LOS ANGELES, December 20, 2007 – Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Kythera") today announced the decision to discontinue its ATX-201 clinical program for actinic keratosis. The Company determined that the program was not meeting their expected primary and exploratory objectives.

Kythera was granted worldwide rights from Novartis Pharma AG to obtain, develop and commercialize ATX-201, one of a family of novel compounds that inhibits microtubule polymerization. The product was being developed as a topical therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis. The decision to discontinue the program allows Kythera to concentrate on the advancement of its other clinical and pre-clinical stage products, including lead product candidate, ATX-101, an adipolytic therapy.

“Our decision to discontinue ATX-201 is based on data produced from a well-designed trial and permits us to make an evaluation at an early stage of the program,” said Keith Leonard, Kythera’s president and chief executive officer. “With all of our products in development, we apply the highest standard of clinical research to ensure both effectiveness and patient safety. We will continue to apply these standards as we focus our efforts on other programs from our robust pipeline and explore new opportunities in the area of aesthetic medicine.”

Kythera is conducting multiple trials in the US, UK and Australia on its lead product ATX-101 for adipolysis.