Salix to Present Phase 2 Amiselimod Data for Ulcerative Colitis at DDW 2024

Bausch Health Companies Inc. and its gastroenterology division, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., have announced that they will present data from their Phase 2 trial evaluating Amiselimod for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis (UC). The data will be showcased at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 during the IMIBD Late Breakers and Innovations in IBD session on May 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

Tage Ramakrishna, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and President of Research & Development at Bausch Health, expressed enthusiasm about presenting the late-breaking data on Amiselimod. He highlighted the company's commitment to developing new therapies for patients with UC. The abstract for the presentation emphasizes the potential of Amiselimod, an investigational, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, as a treatment aimed at inducing remission in UC.

The research to be presented at DDW 2024 is titled "Amiselimod for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial" and will be available through the meeting's online platform. The Phase 2 clinical trial was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose-ranging study involving 320 patients with mildly-to-moderately active UC. Positive topline results from the study were announced by Bausch Health in December 2023.

Amiselimod functions as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor functional antagonist. By inhibiting the receptor function of the lymphocyte sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor, it sequesters lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, preventing them from contributing to autoimmune reactions. This mechanism suggests that Amiselimod could be beneficial for various autoimmune diseases. Its affinity to S1P1 and S1P5 receptor subtypes indicates that it might have a more substantial impact on ulcerative colitis-related inflammation compared to compounds that only target the S1P1 receptor or a combination of S1P1 and S1P5.

Salix Pharmaceuticals, a key player in the development of gastrointestinal therapies, has been committed to preventing and treating gastrointestinal diseases for over 30 years. The company has a history of licensing, developing, and marketing innovative products aimed at improving patient lives and providing healthcare providers with effective solutions for chronic conditions. Salix markets its products to U.S. healthcare providers through an extensive sales force focused on gastroenterology, hepatology, pain specialists, and primary care. The company is headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Bausch Health Companies Inc. is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving lives by delivering better health outcomes. The company develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of products primarily in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, medical aesthetic devices, international pharmaceuticals, and eye health. Bausch Health aims to be a globally integrated healthcare company trusted by patients, healthcare providers, employees, and investors.

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of professionals in gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery. Sponsored by major organizations such as the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW is held annually and features thousands of abstracts and lectures on the latest advancements in gastrointestinal research, medicine, and technology. The 2024 meeting will take place from May 18-21 in Washington, D.C., offering both in-person and online participation options.