Preliminary data on three additional patients enrolled in a small open-label study of Immune Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s bertilimumab, an experimental treatment for the rare blistering disease bullous pemphigoid (BP), continued to suggest it may offer an effective alternative to systemic corticosteroids, a standard but imperfect therapy for the condition. Immune, which is seeking an FDA orphan designation for the candidate, expects to complete the proof-of-concept study and report final results in early 2018. Company shares (NASDAQ:IMNP) rose 16.7 percent to $1.40 by Wednesday's close.