04/23/2012 | 03:39am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tokyo, April 23, 2012 Top-line results of the JTT-751 Phase 3 clinical study in Japan (GBA4-1) for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia Tokyo, April 23, 2012 — Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE:2914) and Torii Pharmaceutical co., Ltd. (Torii) (TSE:4551) have announced the top-line results of GBA4-1. this study is a part of the Phase 3 program for JTT-751 (ferric citrate), conducted in Japan, for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia.
GBA4-1 was an open-label, randomized, parallel-group, active comparator study, designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JTT-751 in comparison to sevelamer hydrochloride. the study was carried out over a 12 week period, among patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis, experiencing symptoms of hyperphosphatemia. In the top-line results, non-inferiority of JTT-751 to sevelamer hydrochloride was confirmed, in regard to the primary endpoint of the trial. In order to meet the primary endpoint, the levels of serum phosphorus from patients were measured, comparing baseline levels with those at the end of the trial. furthermore, there were no clinically significant findings on safety and tolerability of JTT-751 within the treatment period. JT will aim to submit a marketing application for JTT-751 in Japan, in the fiscal year ending March 31 2013, based on the results of GBA4-1 and other Phase 3 studies for JTT-751 which are currently being conducted. JT and Torii hold the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize JTT-751 in Japan, which were licensed from Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. in September 2007.
About Hyperphosphatemia
Patients with CKD often suffer from hyperphosphatemia, as a result of lower phosphorous excretion from the kidney. Persisting hyperphosphatemia leads to calcareous deposition in various organs, including the blood vessels, heart, lung and kidney as well as periarticular tissues. In particular, a calcified blood vessel wall causes arterial sclerosis and increases the risk of cardiac infarct and angina. furthermore, bone lesions can be caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with the increase in secretion of parathyroid hormone, negatively affecting activities of daily living and quality of life.
Contacts for Japan Tobacco Inc.: Contact for Torii Pharmaceutical co., Ltd.:Hideyuki Yamamoto, General Manager planning Department (Public Relations) Ryohei Sugata, Associate General Manager Torii Pharmaceutical co., Ltd.
Media and Investor Relations Division Tokyo: +81-3-3231-6814
Japan Tobacco Inc. Tokyo: +81-3-5572-4292
E-mail: jt.media.relations@jt.com
Japan Tobacco Inc. is a leading international tobacco product company. Its products are sold in over 120 countries and its internationally recognized cigarette brands include Winston, Camel, Mild Seven and Benson & Hedges. With diversified operations, JT is also actively present in pharmaceuticals and foods. the company’s adjusted net sales(*) were ?1.946 trillion (US$23,415 million(**)) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.
* Adjusted net sales on a consolidated basis do not include excise tax and revenue from the imported tobacco, domestic duty free, the China Division and other peripheral businesses in the Japanese domestic tobacco business. nor does it include excise tax and revenue from distribution, contract manufacturing and other peripheral businesses in the international tobacco business.
**Translated at the rate of ?83.15 per $1, as of March 31, 2011