Rhinosul is a repurposed version of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) and is being developed to treat respiratory diseases including allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma.
PPS has been in use for over 60 years as a well-established anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Repurposing an existing drug diminishes the risks associated with traditional new drug development and usually means shorter development times, lower development costs and less safety risk.
Paradigm’s current Phase 2a clinical trial is an allergen challenge study in subjects with allergic rhinitis.
The first group of 15 clinical trial subjects will finish the treatment in two weeks, the second group of 15 by mid-March, and the third group of 10 will finish the treatment by the end of March 2017.
Last subject out of the study is scheduled for 31 March, 2017 with a readout of the results anticipated in late Q2 or early Q3 CY2017.
The current market for allergic rhinitis is about US$11 billion and is dominated by anti-histamines and corticosteroids, for which market surveys highlight patient dissatisfaction.
Rhinosul could potentially meet market needs that are not effectively managed by current nasal sprays.