Reata neuromuscular disorder drug meets study endpoint, stock halted

Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc. shares were halted after hours Monday as the biotech company announced positive results from a clinical trial for a neuromuscular disorder treatment. Reata shares closed up 5% at $100.59 in Monday trading. Compared to placebo, the company said a mid-stage study of its treatment omaveloxolone significantly improved symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia, a debilitating neuromuscular disease that results in loss of coordination, weakness and fatigue. There are currently no treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the disease, which affects about 22,000 globally, the company said.

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