Flexion Therapeutics Inc(NASDAQ: FLXN) got an FDA approval of ZILRETTA on October 6th which was a milestone for them. The group is focusing on ZILRETTA’s execution and positioning of ZILRETTA for long term in 2018.

For ZILRETTA, the group got a positive feedback from patients during their clinical trials. As per the ongoing Phase III study of repeat administration of ZILRETTA in patients with OA of the knee, the group reported an initial data which showed that 95% or 195 out of 205 patients showing clinical benefit by week 12 following the initial injection of ZILRETTA. Over 92% of eligible patients got a second dose of ZILRETTA between weeks 12 and 24 as March 9^th, 2018.

The group started a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics during December 2017 and safety of concurring injections of ZILRETTA in patients with bilateral OA of the knee. This trial is designed to compare the systemic exposure from two 32 milligrams of ZILRETTA against two 40 milligram doses of immediate release triamcinolone acetonide.

The group started initiation of a Phase II clinical trial to investigate ZILRETTA in OA of the shoulder and hip know as the SHIP study. The group sees a solid growth opportunity for ZILRETTA. Meanwhile, the group research teams continue to conduct preclinical studies on FX101, which might offer up to six months of relief from OA related pain. The group forecasts major data this year which would inform the next steps for the program. The group continues to evaluate additional in-licensing opportunities with a bias towards clinical stage programs that are aligned with their strategy of advancing local therapies for musculoskeletal conditions.

Meanwhile, the group reported a net loss of $137.5 million for 2017 against a net loss of $71.9 million for 2016. The Net sales of ZILRETTA reached over $355,000 during fourth quarter. The Research and development expenses reached $51.2 million and $41.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively as they incurred preclinical expenses related to their portfolio expansion and other program costs.