28 Jun 2010 07:00
28 June 2010 Verona Pharma plc ("Verona" or the "Company") Update on RPL554 and Cough Projects
Verona Pharma seeks regulatory approval for cough trial and progresses RPL554
Verona Pharma (AIM: VRP.L), the AIM quoted drug discovery company, is pleased to update the market on the progress of two of its pipeline drugs, RPL554 and VRP700.
Highlights RPL554
* Licensing discussions continue to advance with potential licensees
* Three clinical trials planned to add value to licensing package for RPL554
* Signed a letter of intent (LOI) to look at the safety, the duration of
action with respect to bronchidilation, and the extent of anti-inflammatory
action of RPL554 at higher doses in two asthmatic patient trials
* A second LOI signed to test the bronchodilator effects and safety of the
drug in patients with established chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD)
* Carrying out experimental trials designed to facilitate the administration
of RPL554 in inhaler devices commonly used by asthmatics and COPD patients
Cough
* Regulatory documents for the proposed clinical trial of VRP700 in cough patients submitted to the ethics committee at the University of Florence and approval to proceed with the trial is expected within the next few months * This trial is designed to demonstrate VRP700's anti-tussive effect in sufferers of chronic cough, as a result of lung cancer and interstitial lung disease * It is anticipated that the trial will be completed by the end of the year - dependant on patient recruitment and the effectiveness of VRP700's anti-cough actions
RPL554
The Company is still working towards the commercialisation of RPL554 and licensing discussions continue to advance with potential licensees. In the interim, the Company is continuing to add value by planning three further trials to determine the duration of action with respect to bronchidilation, the extent of anti-inflammatory action of RPL554 at higher doses and the bronchodilator effects and safety of the drug in patients with established COPD.
The Company has now signed a LOI with Erasmus Medical Center at Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, for two patient trials that will look at the safety, the duration of action with respect to bronchidilation, and the extent of anti-inflammatory action of RPL554 at higher doses. Additionally, the Company has signed an LOI with the University of Rome, Tor Vergata, to test the bronchodilator effects and safety of RPL554 in patients with established COPD. As previously stated the Big Pharma companies have been putting increased emphasis on the COPD market and with no truly effective treatment Verona Pharma sees significant potential for RPL554 in this area.
Furthermore, the Company is looking at how RPL554 will be delivered to patients. Traditionally asthma and COPD treatments are delivered using a dry powder inhaler and in the trials to date RPL554 has been delivered using a ventilator. The Company is now conducting experimental trials designed to facilitate the administration of RPL554 in commonly used inhaler devices. These trials will assist in progressing RPL554 towards commercialisation whilst adding value and stregthaning the Company's position as licensing discussions continue.
Cough
The Company has now submitted the proposed clinical trial of VRP700 in cough patients to the appropriate ethics committee at the University of Florence. The trial has been specifically designed to demonstrate the anti-tussive (suppressive) effects of VRP700. It is anticipated that the ethics committee will make a decision on the proposed trial within the next few months and it is hoped that the trial will be completed by the end of the year. However, this is dependent on patient recruitment numbers and the effectiveness of the anti-cough actions of VRP700.
Commenting on the progress of both RPL554 and VRP700, Professor Michael Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Verona Pharma, said:
"These additional trials for RPL554 strengthen our negotiating position as licensing discussions continue. We have considered what potential licensees are looking for from RPL554 in terms of further trials and we are continuing to add value to our licensing package.
"The Cough project has been progressing a little slower than we had hoped due to administrative delays; however we have now submitted the appropriate documentation to the ethical committee and we are hopeful that it will be approved and the trial will begin in the next few months.
"We feel very positive about the progress to date and we look forward to updating the market on further progress in due course."
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Enquiries
For more information please contact:
Professor Clive Page 020 7863 3300 Chairman, Verona Pharma plc
Barry Saint / Tim Redfern / Esther Lee 020 7071 4300 Evolution Securities Limited (Nominated adviser and broker) Gemma O'Hara/Siobhra Murphy 020 7562 3350 Bishopsgate Communications 078 2577 3710
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