ADOLOR'S INTESTINAL DRUG FAILS IN CLINICAL TRIALS

Adolor's stock took a major hit last week after the company and GlaxoSmithKline announced data showing that their new drug alvimopan, designed to treat opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD), was ineffective in two of three clinical trials.

While one trial demonstrated that 72 percent of the patients on alvimopan reached the primary endpoint, compared with 48 percent on placebo, the other two trials resulted in no statistically significant difference, the companies said.

The price of Adolor's shares dropped 46 percent Sept. 5 on the news.

There are currently no approved drugs to specifically treat OBD, a condition occurring in patients who take opioids daily over a long period of time and resulting in such conditions as constipation, abdominal pain and acid reflux.