Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS) uses RNA targeted technologies against diseases with unmet medical needs. Today ISIS posted final positive phase 2 results in patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug compound for Isis is known as ISIS GCGR RX. It is an antisense compound. 

ISIS's treatment for diabetes patients combines ISIS GCGR RX with metformin therapy and produces remarkable results. The combined treatment was able to reduce hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c up to 2.25% from baseline in only 13 weeks. The placebo drug was only able to improve HbA1c by 0.25% from baseline in that same 13 week period. That means patients on the ISIS drug compound were able to achieve a significant reduction of glucose in the body. This is an important step forward in patients with type 2 diabetes. This full set of data was presented at The American Diabetes Association 74th scientific sessions as a late-breaking abstract.

Late-breaking abstracts are given the ability to be presented despite being late because they offer results that are outstanding. In this case the positive results in phase 2 bodes well for Isis Pharmaceuticals. There are around 350 million plus people worldwide that suffer from type 2 diabetes. Patients with the disease are also at increased risk for other serious diseases. Type 2 diabetes can lead to stroke, heart attack, and other serious medical conditions.

Isis has a large pipeline with many other drug compounds utilizing RNA tech. Nevertheless, the positive results for diabetes is significant news for the company. It can now move forward to a phase 2/3 trial. The company will test higher doses of ISIS GCGR RX for safety.

The most significant adverse reactions from the drug were injection site reactions which posed no immediate threat to the patients. The stock currently trades at around $34 per share. ISIS currently has a market cap of $4 billion dollars.

ISIS has plenty of room to grow and has already established partnerships with big pharmaceutical companies such as Biogen Idec (BIIB).