Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE:AGN, OTCQB:AGNPF) told investors it has now received the full data set from its Phase 2a study assessing Ifenprodil to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic cough, and an expert on the former condition has described the results as "excellent".
The causes of IPF are not clear but it usually affects people between the ages of 70 and 75 and sees their lungs become scarred, making breathing difficult.
Algernon says Ifenprodil is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and prevents glutamate signalling. The NMDA receptor is found on many tissues including lung cells and T-cells.
The full data set from the study included additional secondary measures of efficacy, including both the measurement of lung function and patient-reported outcomes of both IPF and cough.
READ: Algernon Pharmaceuticals reports further positive data from phase 2 study of Ifenprodil for IPF and chronic cough
All of the data showed positive results, including statistically significant improvements in measures of cough, said Algernon, a drug re-purposing firm.
"The full data set is excellent," said Dr Martin Kolb, professor of respirology at McMaster University and a global expert on IPF in a statement.
"Of course, patient numbers are low, but it is encouraging to see that all is going in the right direction. This data enhances my belief that this drug merits investigation in a much larger trial," he added.
Algernon's CEO Christopher J. Moreau told investors: "We look forward to presenting the data to the US FDA, including applying for orphan designation, the filing of a pre-IND application for a Phase 2b IPF with cough trial, as well as an application for Breakthrough Therapy designation."
The full results of the trial will be presented at the 21st International Colloquium on Lung and Airway Fibrosis in Iceland in October this year, noted Algernon. They will also be discussed at the 9th American Cough Conference in Reston, Virginia in June 2023.
Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com