Destiny Pharma PLC (AIM:DEST, OTC:DTTYF), the clinical-stage drug developer, has provided a progress report on the preclinical work being carried out on XF-73 Dermal, which has delivered a "positive dataset".
Aimed at treating antibiotic-resistant skin infections, this application of Destiny's technology has shown positive outcomes in trials conducted under a non-clinical evaluation agreement with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the company said.
The study, focusing on the potential toxicity of XF-73 Dermal applied to broken skin and wounds, concluded that the product was well-tolerated, had no significant impact on clinical or safety parameters, and did not negatively impact wound healing.
This success paves the way for clinical trials of putative treatment in treating diabetic foot infections (DFI) and serious burn wound infections, two conditions with a substantial unmet need and large patient populations.
Destiny Pharma is confident in the potential benefits of the application in these areas and is exploring the most suitable paths for further development.
Jim Love, the company's chief scientific officer, said: "I would like to thank NIAID for their support and collaboration throughout the preclinical safety study in XF-73 Dermal and I am delighted to announce this positive dataset.
"With these results, we can move XF-73 Dermal into the clinic with the confidence that it has the potential to meaningfully improve outcomes in these two painful, prevalent and potentially deadly conditions."
In the same announcement, the company has updated its NTCD-M3 programme, being developed in collaboration with Sebela Pharmaceuticals, focusing on preventing Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence.
Changes include shifting to a new contract development manufacturing organisation to support the transition of NTCD-M3 from a liquid to a solid dose formulation, enhancing its competitive profile.
Improvements in chemistry, manufacturing and controls will see a product ready for clinical trials in the second half of the year.
Partner Sebela is also considering a further phase II examination of NTCD-M3 to de-risk phase III, investors were told.