Cryptopharma Cystic Fibrosis Inflammation Drug To Be Commercialised - Targeting Inflammation Via Novel Mode Of Action

Main Category: Cystic Fibrosis
Article Date: 11 Apr 2007 - 10:00 PDT

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Melbourne based biotechnology company Cryptopharma Pty Ltd announced that its inflammation drug candidate, CP-92, has been chosen as a lead and will be advanced into development after very positive results from laboratory testing.

The product is an Australian innovation and has shown high levels of activity in animal models of inflammatory respiratory disease. It will initially be developed for the treatment of acute inflammation associated with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common lethal genetic disease of caucasians. It affects about 70,000 people worldwide and as yet has no cure. The disease causes progressive loss of airway function through chronic or acute respiratory infections and scarring. About 43 percent of patients have episodes of acute flare-ups of the condition annually, requiring hospitalisation and intensive therapy. Treatment of acute patients involves antibiotics, rest and inflammation control.

Current anti-inflammatory drugs and expensive monoclonal therapies used to contain the damage do not adequately control these acute inflammatory episodes. Treatment costs for cystic fibrosis globally are estimated to be approximately US$500 million annually. Orphan and Fast Track marketing approval routes are possible.

The product dossier was reviewed by an independent panel of international experts in the areas of safety, efficacy, manufacturability and development of pharmaceuticals. The panel unanimously recommended that the product be formally moved into development. This will include animal toxicology studies and if these are successful, Phase I studies in human subjects. This is a major milestone for Cryptopharma and signals a maturing and shift in emphasis from research to development.

About Cryptopharma

Cryptopharma is an Australian, VC funded drug discovery and development company which was founded upon discoveries made at the Department of Pharmacology of the University of Melbourne. The Company has developed a family of unique proprietary molecules which show promise as pharmacological treatments for indications such as severe inflammatory and fibrotic diseases where current therapies are often inadequate. The Company is also working in the related areas of acute and chronic inflammation focusing on newly discovered targets and signalling systems.
Investors include GBS Venture Partners, Biocomm and Uniseed.
www.cryptopharma.com