Ventrus Biosciences (NASDAQ:VTUS) believes it has hit the “trifecta of anal fissure endpoints” with its lead candidate VEN-307. In a 465 patient Phase III trial, CEO Russel Ellison says the company saw results, “that really haven’t been shown in a single multi-center anal fissure trial before. We showed a significant improvement in pain on defecation, average daily pain, and healing, which has almost never been shown.”
In this PropThink interview, Ellison explains the benefits of the Diltiazem cream over other topical and oral alternatives. With an improved tolerability profile, well-known active ingredient, and a cost-effective sales strategy, Ventrus expects VEN-307 to be a cash-flow generating drug quickly. The company plans to initiate a second Phase III trial in order to verify earlier data, thereby improving the odds of approval, and in the interview discusses upcoming catalysts as well as the company’s recent meeting with the FDA. The company is beginning an extensive market study for VEN-307, and Ellison reveals timeframes for that, as well as the expectations for what Ventrus believes is a significant, untapped market. The interview includes discussion of Ventrus’ guidance for cash use and the company’s second product, VEN-308.
