Nuformix PLC (LSE:NFX) chief executive Dr Anne Brindley said she was ‘delighted’ by the readout from preclinical studies of one of its lead assets.
Researchers assessed the potential of using NXP002 as an inhaled drug delivered directly to the lungs.
NXP002 is a repurposed new form of tranilast, developed originally as an antiallergic treatment.
Nuformix is currently assessing its potential in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which in laypersons’ terms is scarring of the lungs.
Scientists carried out a lab-based evaluation to assess whether the compound could be reconstituted to be delivered by a nebuliser (a mask and pump the delivers drugs straight to the lungs). The Nuformix team found this was possible.
It was also able to show that the NXP002 made its way efficiently to the lung.
Importantly, the study showed the drug could dose-dependently regulate the production of “fibrosis-relevant mediators”.
CEO Brindley said: Tranilast is poorly soluble, meaning it is not well absorbed into the body and tissues, and it also has issues regarding systemic toxicity.
“NXP002 is a new form of tranilast that shows greater solubility than the original drug, allowing it to be delivered to the lungs that are the site of action for IPF.
“By delivering directly to the lungs, we anticipate that a lower dose will be required to produce a pharmacological and therapeutic effect with reduced systemic toxicity compared to oral dosing.”
Nuformix deviates from the normal small-cap drug development model in that it looks to out-license its assets before they are taken into the clinic.