(Alliance News) - Midatech Pharma PLC on Wednesday posted positive headline results from study 102 of its MTD201 drug.
Shares in the Cardiff-headquartered biotechnology firm were up 9.1% at 3.00 pence in London in morning trading.
MTD201 is a long-acting form of the drug octreotide and is being developed by Midatech to treat acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours. Acromelagy is hormone disorder which can cause bones in the hands, feet, and face to get bigger. Neuroendocrine tumours affect the cells responsible for releasing hormones.
The study met its primary endpoints, confirming a similar overall extended octreotide bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile in both subcutaneous and intramuscular injections of the drug.
This is good news for MTD201 because subcutaneous injection, where the injection is given under the skin, is simpler and less painful than injection into the muscles.
Further, the trial also showed MTD201 delivered sustained concentrations of the drug in the plasma at the level needed to be effective at an injection interval of between six and eight weeks using either injection method.
This would cut the annual number of injections per patient from the current level of 12 injections per year to just 6.
The study was conducted on 28 healthy subjects, who were given either a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of MTD201 in early October and observed for a period of 63 days.
Midatech Chief Executive Craig Cook said: "We are very pleased with the positive results of study 102. It confirmed both the subcutaneous dosing route for MTD201, as well as the potential for extended dosing intervals. These are key advantages for patients, physicians and payors, being the first therapy to offer this, and also gives Midatech a competitive advantage versus others as we move the product through to potential approval."
By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com
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