(Alliance News) - Tiziana Life Sciences PLC said Wednesday it has started a phase one clinical trial of the oral form of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody foralumab in healthy volunteers.
The biotechnology firm said oral foralumab, which is intended to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, is delivered in enteric-coated capsules.
The primary objective of the study, which is being held at the Brigham & Women's Hospital at Harvard Medical School in Boston, is to determine the safety and tolerability of orally administered foralumab.
Kunwar Shailubhai, Tiziana's chief executive, said: "We are excited to initiate this trial because this is the first ever clinical study with orally administered Foralumab in enteric-coated capsules."
"Our proprietary oral formulation technology has the potential to be useful for treatment of neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal diseases," added Shailubhai.
In September, the company said it had received permission from the US Food & Drug Administration to begin a phase one clinical trial of foralumab.
Previously, the company had said a phase one trial of a nasal dose of foralumab showed the drug "was well-tolerated at all doses".
Shares in Tiziana were 8.2% higher in London at 44.38 pence each on Wednesday.
By Loreta Juodagalvyte; loretajuodagalvyte@alliancenews.com
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