ImmuPharma PLC (AIM:IMM, OTC:IMMPF) hailed its recent progress as it said major roadblocks to clinical progress had been effectively cleared.
In an update alongside full-year results, it confirmed US partner, Avion Pharmaceuticals, is committed to taking lead asset Lupuzor into phase III clinical trials after the successful completion of a pharmacokinetic study mandated by the US regulator.
Lupuzor, also known as P140, is being developed to treat the autoimmune condition lupus. ImmuPharma said it has held positive discussions with potential partners for Lupuzor outside the US.
The drug is also being developed to treat the rare neurological disorder, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It said active preparations are being made for a phase II/III study for this indication.
Turning to its early-stage anti-infectives portfolio, ImmuPharma said further pre-clinical work will be carried out on its BioAMB asset in the second half of the year, adding that commercial partnering discussions are "ongoing". Pre-clinical analysis will also be carried out on its BioCin drug candidate later this year.
“We are also focused on ensuring earlier stage assets, specifically within anti-infectives, progress, with a key strategy on securing partnering opportunities over the medium term,” said chief executive Tim McCarthy.
ImmuPharma, in common with most companies at the research and development stage, booked a loss – the deficit being £8.2mln for the 12 months ended 31 December 2021. The cash balance as of that date was £1.6mln.