Evoke Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused
on the development of novel drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI)
disorders and diseases. The company’s leading drug candidate, EVK-001, is an
intranasal formulation of metoclopramide set to be evaluated in a phase III
clinical trial for the treatment of acute and recurrent gastroparesis in women
with diabetes mellitus. Enrollment for this trial is currently underway and is
expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of this year. Upon
commercialization, EVK-001 should place Evoke into a favorable position to
address a seriously underserved market within the pharmaceutical industry.
Gastroparesis is a debilitating, chronic condition
characterized by slow or delayed gastric emptying, which can cause a host of
characteristic symptoms – including nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating
and severe abdominal pain. According to a study by the Digestive Diseases
Center of Temple University Hospital, the condition affects more than 1.5
million Americans each year, including at least 20 percent of people with type
I diabetes. Together with other GI disorders, the total annual cost of gastroparesis,
including both direct and indirect expenditures, was estimated to be greater
than $114 billion in 2004.
In June, Evoke took a significant step toward the
commercialization of its promising drug candidate when it announced the results
from its completed phase IIb clinical trial. According to the release, the
trial successfully confirmed the effectiveness, absorption and tolerability of
EVK-001, serving as the basis for continued studies moving forward.
“These phase II data demonstrate EVK-001’s potential as an
effective treatment that is well-tolerated by women suffering from diabetic
gastroparesis,” Dr. Henry P. Parkman, director of the GI Motility Laboratory
and the Temple University School of Medicine, stated in a news release.
“Overall, data from controlled clinical trials continue to show that Evoke’s
novel intranasal spray is an optimal route of administration for these patients
who have few treatment options.”
As of March 31, 2015, Evoke reported approximately $11.7
million in cash and cash equivalents, which is expected to adequately fund the
remaining clinical development of EVK-001. Looking forward, the company will
continue to build on its recent developmental progress as it approaches the
commercialization of its novel candidate.
For more information, visit www.evokepharma.com
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