Ventrus Biosciences (NASDAQ: VTUS) is a development stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of late-stage prescription drugs for gastrointestinal disorders, specifically hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fecal incontinence. There are approximately 12.5 million Americans suffering from hemorrhoids, 7 million from fecal incontinence and over 4 million from anal fissures.
An article on RTTNews.com described several key upcoming events for Ventrus:
- The first of two pivotal phase III trials of VEN 309 began last August. It is currently recruiting participants. The phase III trial of VEN 309 "is designed to enroll about 600 patients at 70 centers in the U.S. who will be randomized into three arms...Enrollment in the ongoing US phase III trial of VEN 309 (Iferanserin) in hemorrhoids is expected to be completed around April, and top line data is anticipated in June of 2012."
- "Yet another arrow in the company's quiver for gastrointestinal medications is VEN 307, a proprietary formulation of Diltiazem hydrochloride, for anal fissures. Ventrus licensed the North American rights to VEN 307 from Switzerland-based S.L.A. Pharma. The data from the European phase III trial of VEN 307 for the treatment of anal fissures is expected in May 2012."
- Ventrus' third clinical product is VEN 308 (Phenylephrine gel) "for the treatment of fecal incontinence associated with ileal pouch anal anastomosis, or IPAA, an FDA orphan indication...The company plans to initiate the U.S. phase IIb dose ranging study of VEN 308 for IPAA-related fecal incontinence this year."
The article concluded,
"Shares of Ventrus have gained 18 percent in the last three months and trade around $9. With two high value pivotal data expected in the coming months, VTUS may be worth keeping an eye on."