Anatara Lifesciences (ASX:ANR) said it is unlikely to achieve a statistically significant improvement in irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system when compared to placebo in the second stage of the phase two Gastrointestinal ReProgramming-IBS trial based on preliminary analysis, according to a Monday Australian bourse filing.

It said the second stage of the trial moved into the database lock process after all participants completed the mandatory two-week follow-up period.

The final fully assessable number of participants has been reduced to 62 from 71 after the assessment of participant numbers for both compliance and entry criteria.

The second stage included a planned extension of the phase two trial, following the successful completion of stage 1 which reported on 20 patients with a greater than 50% reduction in IBS symptoms and with a safety profile confirmed.

It added that its planned anti-obesity in-vivo pre-clinical experiments are now underway following agreements with the University of Newcastle.

Its shares fell 74% in recent trading on Monday, reaching an all-time low.