* Upcoming events in Q2 and Q3
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LXRX) is a biopharmaceutical company, having a pipeline of diverse drug candidates in various stages of development. The company has 4 drugs in phase II development, 1 drug in a phase I trial and 3 drug candidates in preclinical development.
For readers who are new to Lexicon, here's what to expect in the coming months.
The company is slated to commence phase IIb study of LX4211, a potential treatment for diabetes this quarter. (Q2, 2011).
LX4211, an orally-delivered small molecule under development, works by inhibiting the sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2). SGLT2-inhibiting compounds can potentially treat diabetes by increasing urinary glucose excretion, thereby lowering blood glucose levels, according to the company.
Last June, Lexicon announced positive results from a phase IIa clinical trial of LX4211 for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to the trial results, administration of LX4211 produced rapid and significant improvement in multiple assessments of glycemic control as well as positive trends in cardiovascular and metabolic parameters after only 28 days of dosing in type 2 diabetes patients. The study also showed positive trends in weight, blood pressure and triglyceride reduction with LX4211.
Earlier this year, the company announced positive results from a new clinical study that showed administration of a 300 mg solid oral tablet dose of LX4211, taken as two 150 mg tablets, rapidly lowered blood sugar and increased GLP-1 and PYY, mediators of glycemic and appetite control.
Lexicon is also scheduled to complete enrollment in the U.S. phase IIa clinical trial of LX1032 in patients with carcinoid syndrome this quarter. The phase II trial of LX1032 in carcinoid syndrome was initiated in July 2009 and was designed to include up to 28 patients with carcinoid syndrome who are symptomatic despite treatment with currently available therapy. The available treatments for carcinoid syndrome are surgery, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, hepatic artery embolization interferon and chemotherapy, radiation therapy and FDA-approved medications like Novartis' Sandostatin.
LX1032, a potential treatment for the symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome, acts by inhibiting the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase.
Carcinoid syndrome refers to a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors, which includes, tumors of the small intestine, colon, appendix, and bronchial tubes in the lungs. LX1032 has a Fast Track status in U.S. and Orphan designation in EU for the indication of carcinoid syndrome.
The company expects to report results from the U.S. phase IIa study of LX1032 in the third quarter. Lexicon continues to enroll carcinoid syndrome patients in a second E.U.-based open-label clinical trial of LX1032.
Now let's take a look at what more is in store in the third quarter...
The company expects to complete a phase I study of LX1033 in irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. The phase I study of LX1033 was initiated in the first quarter of this year. LX1033 is a back-up compound to LX1031, which has completed a phase IIa study in IBS.
IBS, a common intestinal problem, involves abdominal pain and cramping, as well as changes in bowel movements. Lotronex (especially for women), developed by GlaxoSmithKline plc and Amitiza, developed by Sucampo and Takeda, are some of the medications specifically approved for IBS treatment.
Also on the anvil in the third quarter is the exploration of a new indication for LX1032 with a phase IIa study for IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease) , scheduled to be initiated. A dose-ranging study of LX2931 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis will also be initiated in the third quarter in preparation for a phase II clinical trial of higher doses of LX2931, according to the company.
LX2931 is an orally-delivered small molecule compound that is being developed for the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Last December, the company reported top-line results from a phase iia study of LX2931 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which failed to achieve statistical significance. The study evaluated 70mg, 110mg and 150mg doses of LX2931, each administered once daily over a 12-week treatment period.
Lexicon's preclinical drug candidates include, LX7101 for the potential treatment of glaucoma, LX5061 for the potential treatment of osteoporosis and LX2311 for the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases.
The company has no marketed drugs and currently derives all of its revenues from drug discovery and development alliances and other collaborations and technology licenses. Lexicon has drug discovery and development alliances with Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Roche's Genentech, N.V. Organon, and Takeda Pharmaceutical.
Since its inception, the company has incurred significant losses. As of March 31, 2011 , Lexicon had an accumulated deficit of $703.0 million while cash and investments totaled $188.9 million. The total debt at the end of the most recent quarter was *$28.20 million. (*Data as per Yahoo Finance)
Formerly known as Lexicon Genetics, the company went public in April 2000, pricing its shares at $22.00 each. The company took on its current name - Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, in 2007, to reflect a renewed focus on drug development. After its IPO in 2000, Lexicon has made three follow on offerings - at $5.25 per share in 2003, $1.50 per share in 2009 and $1.15 per share in 2010.
Lexicon shares have thus far hit a 52-week low of $1.17 and a 52-week high of $2.30. The stock closed Tuesday's trading at $1.42, down 2.74 percent, on a volume of 1.89 million shares.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.