26th Nov 2010 07:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Verona Pharma plc (`Verona' or the `Company') New Higher Dose RPL554 Clinical Trial in Asthma
First Patient treated in clinic in Leiden, The Netherlands
26 November 2010 - London, UK Verona Pharma plc (AIM:VRP.L), the biotechnologycompany focused on the research, discovery and development of new therapeuticdrugs for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, is initiating a newhigher dose trial of its lead drug, RPL554, in patients with asthma.After receiving ethical approval from the Dutch Authorities, Verona has treatedits first patient in this clinical trial at the Centre for Human Drug Research(CHDR) in Leiden, The Netherlands to evaluate the safety and bronchodilatoreffectiveness of higher doses of RPL554 in patients with mild asthma. Aprevious Phase I/IIa trial at the same centre, using lower doses, demonstratedsafety and effective bronchodilation.The RPL554 compound is a novel long acting inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE)3 and phosphodiesterase 4, two enzymes known to be of importance in thedevelopment and progression of inflammatory respiratory diseases. The combinedeffect of these enzymes is bronchodilation and anti-inflammation.This study is the first of two further trials with RPL554 in patients withallergic asthma. Based on the results, it will determine the dosage used in asecond trial to test that the drug's therapeutic actions continue over a periodof days. The second trial will also include an assessment of theanti-inflammatory actions of the drug.Professor Michael Walker, CEO of Verona Pharma said: "We are delighted thatthis trial to further clarify the therapeutic usefulness of RPL554 is underway.We believe that, combined with the second trial, we will demonstrate the safetyof RPL554 at higher doses as well as its significant potential as abronchodilator and anti-inflammatory drug. The trials are expected to add valueand satisfy questions raised by potential development partners in the Company'slicensing discussions which are ongoing." -Ends- Notes to EditorsAbout Verona Pharma plcVerona Pharma plc is a life sciences company dedicated to the research,discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of chronic respiratorydiseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) andallergic rhinitis (hay fever), as well as chronic inflammatory diseases. TheCompany has three potential drug treatments under development aimed at therespiratory and inflammatory diseases markets: RPL554, Verona's lead product inPhase II, Cough (anti-tussive) and novel anti-inflammatory polysaccharides(NAIPs) for the treatment of a wide range of respiratory and inflammatorydiseases.
RPL554
RPL554 is Verona Pharma's lead drug compound which is a long actingbronchodilator/anti-inflammatory drug (belonging to a class of drugs known as amixed phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3/4 inhibitor) for the treatment of asthma, COPDand allergic rhinitis (hay fever). In September 2009, the Company completed aPhase I/IIa clinical trial of the drug which showed clear clinical benefits inpatients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. The Company is continuing to carryout further studies of RPL554 whilst at the same time it is seeking licensingagreements or partnerships for the further development and commercialisation ofthe drug.
The Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) (www.chdr.nl)
The Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) is a Dutch full-service contractresearch organisation with tight connections to academic hospitals. It providesa full range of high quality clinical pharmacology services to thepharmaceutical industry, working as collaborative partners offeringsophisticated advice to clients on all aspects of the process of drugdevelopment. It also runs its own research programmes, develops new biomarkersto optimize clinical research, Over the past 20 years this approach has led toa wide diversity of biomarkers that help to perform proof-of-pharmacology andproof-of-concept studies in the earliest phase of the drug developmentprogrammes.
For more information please contact:
Verona Pharma plc Tel: 020 7863 3300 Clive Page, Chairman [email protected] Michael Walker, CEO Evolution Securities Limited Tel: 020 7071 4300
Barry Saint / Tim Redfern / Esther Lee [email protected]
College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020Melanie Toyne Sewell / Nicole Yost Mob: 07890 022 814 / Gemma Howe [email protected] 2 of 2
vendorRelated Shares:
VRP.L