Shares of Jaguar Health (JAGX) surged today 32%. So what is behind the latest surge higher? And what else do you need to know about red-hot JAGX stock?
Jaguar Health is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on treating gastrointestinal conditions in both humans and animals. Its lead drug Mytesi, which has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, works as an antidiarrheal in individuals with HIV/AIDS who take antiretroviral medications. However, as we have reported in recent weeks, Jaguar Health is looking to seriously grow.
But there is another catalyst moving JAGX stock now. Here is what you should know:
- Jaguar Health announced earlier this week that it is investigating lechlemer, a new plant-based drug candidate.
- According to a press release, the company launched preclinical studies through its subsidiary Napo Pharmaceuticals.
- Additionally, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has agreed to give preclinical support to Jaguar Health.
- This support includes NIAID contractors actually conducting a 28-day study of lechlemer in dogs. These contractors previously conducted 7-day toxicology and safety studies in dogs and rats.
- So what is the deal with lechlemer? Well, Jaguar Health believes it could relieve cholera-induced diarrhea.
- Importantly, lechlemer works very similarly to crofelemer, the active component of Mytesi.
- Jaguar Health currently has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for crofelemer as an antidiarrheal for individuals with HIV/AIDS who take antiretroviral medications.
- It is also believes crofelemer could relieve cancer therapy-induced diarrhea as well as coronavirus-induced diarrhea.
- Lastly, crofelemer is the component in Canalevia, its candidate for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs.
- However, Jaguar Health believes that while lechlemer and crofelemer are similar, lechlemer is less costly to produce.
- Because of this, the company is hoping to receive priority review from the FDA.
