Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB) is taking its influenza drug into a phase Ib human challenge study in June next year.
POLB 001 is what’s called an immunomodulator, which means it helps fight infection. It is being developed to treat severe flu.
The company plans to use the Centre for Human Drug Research to run the challenge study, while SEDA Pharmaceutical Development Services formulate the drug.
Chief executive Jeremy Skillington said: "We are delighted to be progressing our POLB 001 asset as planned, with preparatory steps in motion in advance of the LPS human challenge study clinical trial.
“We have selected experienced partners in SEDA to formulate the product, and CHDR to run our LPS human challenge study.
“The clinical study is expected to commence in June 2022, as detailed at IPO.”
The company is what’s called a capital-light drug developer, which means much of the work is outsourced. The idea is to invest modestly before licensing the asset to big pharma early in the clinical life-cycle of the drug candidate.
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