Shield Therapeutics upbeat as Accrufer trial initiated in Japan

Fri, 14th Nov 2025 12:08

(Alliance News) - Shield Therapeutics PLC on Friday reported the commencement of a phase two Accrufer trial in Japan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Newcastle, England-based Shield said Vital KSK Holdings Inc subsidiary Medleap Pharma Company Ltd has initiated the clinical trial for Accrufer.

Accrufer is Shield's oral treatment for those with iron deficiency with or without anaemia.

The company said the clinical trial is an exploratory study in support of a phase three trial.

It said it follows confirmation by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of the development plan for the drug as a pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment in Japan.

Shield added that this is based on prior clinical outcomes in the US, USA and Europe.

Shares in the company were up 3.3% at 6.92 pence on Friday morning in London.

"Shield is delighted with the rapid progress our partner Medleap Pharma has made in agreeing a PAH development plan with PMDA and initiating the Japanese clinical program to develop Accrufer for this exciting new indication," said Jackie Mitchell, VP of Quality, RA and Clinical Development at Shield.

By Christopher Ward, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Shield Thera