Boston- 22 December-- Shares of InterMune shot up 20% to $26.57 on news that Japanese drug developer Shionogi has released positive data from a Phase III clinical trial for the compound pirfenidone in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease. InterMune is currently conducting Phase III testing for pirfenidone for treatment of the same illness. InterMune revealed the news in a regulatory filing made Friday.
The lungs are extremely sensitive to inflammatory reactions mediated by TNF-{alpha}, and two life-threatening syndromes, vascular leak and respiratory distress, develop during severe bacterial infection. Without immediate intervention, these conditions are lethal. Suppression of TNF-{alpha} and other proinflammatory cytokines limits acute symptoms, thereby reducing immediate respiratory dysfunction. However, residual damage resulting from inflammatory reactions can thicken alveolar walls and decrease alveolar function through a disease process known as pulmonary fibrosis. Without further treatment, these fibrotic lesions cause permanent and irreparable damage within the lungs.
Pirfenidone acts to reduce pulmonary fibrosis and protect against endotoxic shock.
ITMN closed today's trading at $28.40 per share or gaining $6.39!
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