Spotlight: Xoma Reports Encouraging Results in Trial of Drug

Xoma Corp. said its Neuprex drug shows no safety problems, according to an analysis of its ongoing trial in patients with a rare and often fatal childhood disease. Berkeley-based Xoma said the results mean it will continue developing Neuprex. The drug is used in pediatric patients with severe meningococcemia, which strikes when the bacteria responsible for the more common meningitis disease invade a patient’s bloodstream. Xoma shares fell 6 cents to close at $7.75 on Nasdaq.