ImmuPharma PLC (LON:IMM) said it will stage part of its phase III clinical trial of Lupuzor, its treatment for Lupus, in Mauritius, which has a high incidence of the life-threatening autoimmune disease.
In all 30 patients will be recruited as part of the 200-strong study.
The request to open a new site came directly from the government following a visit to the island nation by the drug’s inventor, professor Sylviane Muller.
She met with president Ameenah Gurib-Fakim as well as leading rheumatologists and the ministry of health as part of her visit at the invitation of Lupus Alert, a local foundation.
Chairman Tim McCarthy said: "We are delighted to have been requested by the Mauritian government and the country's leading Lupus specialists to participate in our trial.
“Mauritius with its high proportion of Lupus sufferers clearly highlights how necessary an effective Lupus therapy such as Lupuzor is needed for such a debilitating disease.
“We look forward to providing further positive updates on our Lupuzor Phase III study as it progresses further through this year and into 2017."
The company is expected to provide the “top line” results from this study by the end of next year.
The shares, up 39% in the last six months, advanced 11% to 37.75p in the wake of the update, valuing ImmuPharma at £46mln.
Following the update City broker Northland Capital repeated its 'buy' advice and 171p price target.
Analyst Vadim Alexandre said: "Mauritius has a high proportion of Lupus sufferers. The Mauritian Government's strong interest in Lupuzor demonstrates how Lupus is an unmet medical need for which an effective therapy is highly sought after."
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