Pharmaceutical development company Nuformix PLC said the study of NXP002 a reformulation of the anti-allergic drug, tranilast, has begun.
NXP002 is being developed as an inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), scarring of the lungs that causes breathing difficulties,
Working with partner Fibrofind, the company will assess NXP002 in combination with current standards of care.
But to do this it needed to find what it ‘suitable human disease tissue’, which is highly limited in supply but has now been acquired.
Investors were told the practical elements of the study have now commenced, and the company will announce results and further updates in due course.
NXP002 combinations have already shown promise in human-diseased IPF tissue, demonstrating a ‘pleasing synergistic efficacy effect’ with low doses of standards of care.
In a statement, Nuformix director, Dr Dan Gooding, said: “We've had to wait a little longer than expected to acquire suitable tissue, but I'm delighted that the main element of this key study, further evaluating NXP002 combination therapies is now underway and I look forward to sharing the results when they are available."