Xoma Begins Phase IIa Clinical Trial for Topical Gel

Xoma has started its Phase IIa trial to evaluate Xoma 629, a topical gel formulation of an antimicrobial drug candidate to treat impetigo.

A superficial skin infection caused by bacteria that is more common in children and young adults, impetigo affects roughly 1 million people in the U.S. annually, according to Xoma.

Evaluating 45 patients with primary impetigo, the study will assess the safety and efficacy of the gel compared with a control cream. The company said it expects to have preliminary data from the study in the fourth quarter.