Ario Pharma Commences Phase IIa Trial of TRPV1 Inhibitor for Cough Associated with COPD
Ario Pharma Ltd, the Cambridge biopharmaceutical company developing innovative new approaches to treat respiratory disease, has commenced a Phase IIa study of its TRPV1 antagonist, XEN-0501, for the treatment and prevention of cough in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Persistent cough in COPD and other respiratory conditions present as a huge unmet medical need, with novel therapies urgently needed to improve the quality of life of patients.
The study is led by Dr Jacky Smith, Reader and Honorary Consultant in Respiratory Medicine (Principal Investigator) and Professor Dave Singh, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Respiratory Medicine (Co-investigator), both based at the University of Manchester. The study is being conducted at the Medicines Evaluation Unit Ltd, University Hospital Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester. Patients with COPD associated with a history of persistent coughing will be assigned to receive XEN-D0501 or a placebo in a randomised, double-blinded, cross-over study.
XEN-D0501, a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of TRPV1, has successfully completed multiple Phase I studies and been shown to be safe and well tolerated. The frequency of coughing will be assessed in treatment and placebo groups throughout the study using validated ambulatory cough monitoring technology developed by Dr Jacky Smith. Approximately 22 patients are anticipated to be enrolled into the study and initial results are expected to be analysed and available for release during Q3 2014.
Ario Pharma also announces Professor Maria Belvisi from the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, has been appointed as Chief Scientific Officer. Professor Belvisi is an internationally recognised expert in the respiratory field with both pharmaceutical industry and academic research experience. She has received numerous honours and awards for her research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of asthma, COPD and cough.
Dr John Ford, CEO of Ario Pharma, commented: “Heightened sensitivity of pulmonary TRPV1 channels in COPD is well known, but this is the first time an oral TRPV1 inhibitor has been tested for efficacy in preventing cough in COPD patients. We are very pleased to begin evaluation of XEN-D0501 in patients. We are also delighted to welcome Maria Belvisi as Chief Scientific Officer. Maria is already a member of Ario Pharma’s Scientific Advisory Board, and in her new role will become more deeply involved with the company.”
Related News
-
News Pharmapack Awards 2024 Patient-Centric Design Award Winner – Dr Ferrer BioPharma
The 2024 Pharmapack Awards celebrated the best in innovation and design for the pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery industry on January 24, 2024. -
News Women in Pharma: Minding the Gap at Pharmapack 2024
2024 marks the first year Pharmapack will host a Diversity track dedicated to bridging the gap within the pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery sector. The track includes a panel discussion on 'Enabling Diversity in the Workplace,' focused... -
News Pharmapack Awards 2024 - Celebrating Packaging and Drug Delivery Innovation
The 2024 Pharmapack Innovation Awards ceremony celebrated the best in pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery innovation at all levels. The awards were held on January 24, 2024 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. -
News 2024 Pharma Industry Trends Outlook: Collaboration, Market Maturity, and Digital Futures
The annual CPHI Online 2024 Pharma Trends Outlook, in partnership with Arvato Systems, identifies 12 key industry trends shaping the life sciences industry in the coming year. -
News New Novo Nordisk AI hub for drug discovery to open in London, UK
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk will be opening an AI-based research facility in the heart of London to advance drug discovery operations. -
News BioNTech to begin mRNA vaccine manufacturing in Rwanda by 2025
German biotechnology company BioNTech has stated their intentions to begin production at their mRNA vaccine factory in Rwanda by 2025, which will mark the first foreign mRNA vaccine manufacturing site on the continent of Africa. -
News Women in Pharma: Looking back on 2023 and moving forward to 2024
In this monthly series, we interview women from across the pharmaceutical industry and supply chain to discuss the importance of gender diversity in healthcare, the workplace, and beyond. -
News CPHI Barcelona 2023: Partnering for Success – Managing Outsourcing Relationships to Optimise Manufacturing Operations
During CPHI Barcelona 2023, insightful content sessions offered attendees the chance to explore trending topics with expert speakers and panellists. Here, we summarise what the pharma industry and supply chain are talking about the most.
Position your company at the heart of the global Pharma industry with a CPHI Online membership
-
Your products and solutions visible to thousands of visitors within the largest Pharma marketplace
-
Generate high-quality, engaged leads for your business, all year round
-
Promote your business as the industry’s thought-leader by hosting your reports, brochures and videos within your profile
-
Your company’s profile boosted at all participating CPHI events
-
An easy-to-use platform with a detailed dashboard showing your leads and performance