Otonomy’s Otividex fails to meet primary endpoint in phase 3 trial for Ménière’s Disease

The AVERTS-1 trial was a 16-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled a total of 165 patients with unilateral Ménière’s disease in the United States.

The clinical trial missed its primary endpoint which was the count of definitive vertigo days by Poisson Regression analysis (p=0.62).

Patients in both the OTIVIDEX and placebo groups showed similar reductions in the number and severity of vertigo episodes during the three month observation period. OTIVIDEX patients reported a 58% reduction from baseline in vertigo frequency in Month 3 vs. 55% for placebo patients.

“We are greatly disappointed by these results, and surprised by both the higher placebo response and lower OTIVIDEX improvement than observed in our previous trials.

“I would like to thank the many patients and investigators who participated in our Ménière’s clinical program," said David A. Weber, Ph.D., president and CEO of Otonomy.

“Based on these results, we are immediately suspending all development activities for OTIVIDEX including the ongoing AVERTS-2 trial. In addition, the company is undertaking a review of its product pipeline and commercial efforts to identify opportunities to extend its cash runway and build shareholder value."

As of June 30, 2017, the company held cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $150.5 million with prior non-GAAP operating expense guidance of $80-85 million for 2017.

The company is withdrawing the spending guidance for the year pending the above-mentioned review.