A conference call with cystic fibrosis specialists indicated that the disease continued to be characterized by “a vicious cycle of mucus secretion, infection and inflammation,” Cantor Fitzgerald’s Elemer Piros said in a report. He added that the call reinforced “our view that Resunab has potential to meaningfully alter this vicious cycle through resolution of CF's inflammation component.”

Piros reiterated an Overweight rating on Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CRBP), with a price target of $17.

Resunab’s Effect On Inflammation

There have been several failed attempts at addressing inflammation. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and azithromycin all have limitations in terms of their efficacy or usage. The development of a Leukotriene B4 antagonist had been discontinued because of its effect of increased pulmonary exacerbations versus placebo, Piros mentioned.

Related Link: Corbus Soars 65% On Top Line Phase 2 Results

“We left the call with a greater appreciation for the focus of safety in Corbus' Phase 2 study, which underscores CF patients' potential for altered pharmacokinetics and vigilance of immunosuppression. Resunab potentially avoids these negative liabilities by promoting resolution of inflammation, instead of inhibiting the inflammatory cascade,” the analyst wrote.

The readout of Corbus Pharma’s Phase 2 study is expected this quarter, which should provide more insight into Resunab's effect on inflammation. Piros assigned a 30 percent probability of success for Resunab for the three indication — cystic fibrosis, diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis programs — all of which are currently in Phase 2 development.