LONDON (Alliance News) - Rare disease pharmaceutical company Mereo Biopharma Group PLC said on Monday it has has dosed its first patient in its Phase 2 clinical study of MPH-966, which is for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare genetic conditions which can cause conditions such as chronic liver disease and pulmonary emphysema. MPH-966 is an oral nutrophil elastase inhibitor that specifically targets neutrophil elastae responsible for lung degradation in AATD patients.
The phase two study is a 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating two doses of MPH-966 in 165 patients. The primary endpoint is the change baseline on biomarkers of neutrophil activity through the measurement of desmosine or isodesmosine at 12 weeks compared to placebo.
In addition, Mereo Biopharma said it will collaborate with the venture philanthropy arm of the Alpha-1 Foundation, The Alpha-1 Project Inc, which will invest into Mereo on the achievement of agreed development milestones.
Mereo has also agreed to issue warrants to the Alpha-1 Project for the subscription of shares subject to the agreed investments being made.
"We are happy to announce today, both that the first patient has been dosed in this clinical study and that we have agreed an investment from the Alpha-1 Foundation through TAP. We strive to work closely with patient groups who support those with the orphan and rare diseases we are targeting and are delighted to be working with the Foundation on this study. We will continue to enrol patients over the coming months and look forward to reporting top line data in the second half of 2019," said Chief Executive Officer Denise Scots-Knight.
Shares in Mereo BioPharma were untraded on Monday, last quoted at 199.00 pence.