Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE:AGN, OTCQB:AGNPF), a clinical stage Canadian pharmaceutical development company, has announced additional positive results from its phase 2a study of NP-120 (Ifenprodil) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic cough.
After a further review of the topline data, Ifenprodil was shown to be much more effective at reducing cough in patients than initially reported, the company said.
"Ifenprodil's potential as a potent cough treatment just increased," said Christopher J Moreau, CEO of Algernon in a statement. "We have to remember that cough in IPF patients has been historically even more difficult to treat than stand-alone chronic cough. It is quite possible that Ifenprodil may show an even greater efficacy if tested directly in patients that only have chronic cough in the absence of IPF."
READ: Algernon hits co-primary endpoint in Phase 2 study of Ifenprodil for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic cough treatment
Ifenprodil is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist specifically targeting the NMDA-type subunit 2B (GluN2B), which prevents glutamate signalling. Ifenprodil represents a novel first in class treatment for both IPF and chronic cough.
A statistical review by Dr Jacky Smith, Algernon’s lead scientific and medical advisor and a global expert on cough, showed a reduction in the geometric mean 24-hour cough counts of 32% after four weeks and 39.5% after 12 weeks.
The geometric mean awake cough counts were reduced by 30.2% after four weeks and 37.4% after 12 weeks, the company said.
"This additional analysis confirms my initial positive impression of the study," said Dr Smith, who is a professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, and an Honorary Consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
"The NMDA receptor has always been an interesting target for cough, but other agents have been poorly tolerated. To see effects of this magnitude in an IPF population, where other drugs have failed to demonstrate a benefit, is notable, and I look forward to seeing the company's full data set next month," Dr Smith added.
Algernon is a drug re-purposing company that investigates safe, already approved drugs for new disease applications, moving them efficiently and safely into new human trials, developing new formulations and seeking new regulatory approvals in global markets.
The company specifically investigates compounds that have never been approved in the US or Europe to avoid off-label prescription writing.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com