Autifony Therapeutics Limited, which is pioneering the development of novel pharmaceutical treatments for hearing loss and other serious brain disorders, today announced the start of Phase I clinical evaluation of its second Kv3 modulator, AUT00206. This is the first time that a Kv3 modulation mechanism has been applied to the treatment of schizophrenia. AUT00206 represents a novel class of Kv3 modulator which is being developed specifically for schizophrenia and related indications.

Kv3 ion channels are implicated in brain circuits which are believed to be dysfunctional in schizophrenia. This serious psychiatric illness has seen diminishing investment in research in recent years, and yet remains an area of high unmet need, with existing treatments often not delivering the desired efficacy and safety. The condition continues to impose a major social and economic burden.

The first-in-human Phase I study initiated by Autifony is a randomized, placebo controlled ascending dose group trial that is being conducted in the UK. It will investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of orally administered single and multiple doses of AUT00206 in healthy volunteers in fed and fasted states. A variety of biomarkers will be evaluated to explore pharmacodynamic activity.

The study is expected to complete in Q2 2016 and will be followed by two experimental medicine studies in human volunteers and patients. The programme is supported by the Biomedical Catalyst, jointly funded by Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council, who also contributed important enabling funding towards the preclinical stages of the programme, in collaboration with the Universities of Manchester and Newcastle.

Dr Charles Large, Chief Executive Officer of Autifony Therapeutics, commented: "We are delighted that Autifony now has a second programme in clinical trials. We believe that AUT00206 has the potential to be a real breakthrough in the treatment of schizophrenia. Preclinical results relevant to aspects of the disease strongly support the potential efficacy of AUT00206 in patients with schizophrenia, with fewer side effects than the current standard of care. We aim to progress this new drug as quickly as we can, to meet the high level of patient need."

About AUT00206

AUT00206 is a novel, orally active small molecule designed to selectively modulate Kv3 potassium channels. Preclinical studies relevant to aspects of schizophrenia have shown that AUT00206 may have the potential to treat positive symptoms with fewer side effects than current anti-psychotic drugs, as well as cognitive and perhaps also negative symptoms of the disease. These latter domains are poorly treated by antipsychotics and are associated with significant functional deficits and lower quality of life for patients.

Safety and toxicology studies support the clinical development of AUT00206, and suggest that the drug will be safe and well tolerated in humans.