LONDON (Alliance News) - Verona Pharma PLC said Monday that it has seen "very encouraging" initial interim results from its ongoing phase I/II clinical trial with a new nebulised formulation of its RPL554 compound.
The compound is in development for the treatment of acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Results from the first part of the study showed the drug was well tolerated across all doses tested, and no maximum tolerated dose could be defined. It noted that there were no changes in the subject's cardiovascular parameters, and a complete absence of nausea or vomiting at all doses.
Pharmacokinetic data suggests that the new formulation of the drug leads to a longer time in the lung, and a slower release into the bloodstream. This supports its potential for being administered twice-a-day, which Verona will look to further verify in the second part of the trial.
The next stage will focus on further confirming the safety and tolerability of the drug, and investigate bronchodilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Bronchodilation refers to the dilation of bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs, which increases airflow and makes it easier to breathe.
The previous formulation of RPL554 generated significant bronchodilation in studies, at least in line with commonly used drug salbutamol.
The results from the next part of the study are expected to be available in the second half of 2015.
Shares in Verona are trading up 18.8% at 3.03 pence Monday morning, one of the best-performing stocks in the AIM All-Share index.
By Hana Stewart-Smith; hanassmith@alliancenews.com; @HanaSSAllNews
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