Benzinga | May 26, 2021 09:10AM EDT

Progenity's Targeted Delivery Of Adalimumab Shows Encouraging Action In Animal Models Induced With Colitis

* Progenity Inc (NASDAQ:PROG) has announced results from a preclinical study evaluating the delivery of PGN-001 (adalimumab liquid formulation) drug substance directly to the colon in an animal model of induced colitis.

* Adalimumab is the active ingredient used in AbbVie Inc's (NYSE:ABBV) flagship rheumatoid arthritis med, Humira.

* The study found that adalimumab was detected in tissue along the length of the colon.

* Also, a significant reduction in TNF-?, the proinflammatory cytokine target of adalimumab, at every 24 and 48 hours following repeat doses were observed compared with the untreated induced colitis control group.

* No treatment-related adverse events were observed, and no measurable adalimumab was detected in the blood.

* Progenity's Targeted Therapeutics program consists of drug-device combination products designed to maximize the available dose at the disease site to improve efficacy and potentially reduce systemic toxicity.

* The company is currently performing a clinical study to obtain further supporting data for the local delivery of adalimumab, using administration by enema as a surrogate for delivery with the Drug Delivery System (DDS).

* Preliminary results are expected in 2021.

* Price Action: PROG shares are down 0.41% at $2.41 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.