Xenetic Biosciences Inc (OTCQB:XBIO) reported positive data from the third cohort of its Phase 2 dose-escalation study of lead drug candidate ErepoXen for treating anemia in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients.
The study was launched in 2015 and, as in previous cohorts, patients received injections of ErepoXen every two weeks until hemoglobin levels reached therapeutic levels.
Then they were given ErepoXen every 4 weeks during maintenance for a total trial time of 17 weeks.
Chronic renal failure or chemotherapy can cause anemia.
Professor Simon D Roger, the main investigator of the study, said: “The results achieved with ErepoXen in these individuals with chronic kidney disease expand on the initial two cohorts, and, continue to demonstrate a reassuring safety profile.
"I am very pleased about the potential for ErepoXen to act as a therapeutic agent to treat these anemic patients and look forward to the continued study of this compound to achieve further results."
Xenetic chief executive Scott Maguire said: “While the data from this study are positive and maintained the safety profile, we believe that we have not yet reached the most effective clinical dose for these patients.
"We are therefore continuing this Phase 2 study and look forward to sustained good news."