Verona Pharma PLC (LON:VRP) said it has initiated the second part of a phase II trial designed to assess the potential of its lead drug ensifentrine used in a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI).
Results from the multi-dose assessment are expected in the first half of 2021. Thirty people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who took part in the first part of the trial will participate in this second stage.
The main goal, known as the primary endpoint, is an improvement in the lung function of those receiving the drug compared with those on a placebo with no medical benefits.
Researchers will be assessing safety, tolerability and other lung function measures as secondary ‘endpoints’.
“We are pleased to start the multiple-dose part of this pMDI study and expect the results in the first half of 2021,” Verona chief executive, David Zaccardelli said in a statement.
“Data from the single-dose part of this pMDI study are very encouraging and consistent with data from Phase 2 clinical trials with our nebulized and dry powder inhaler formulations of ensifentrine,'" he added.