Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc Initiates Phase I Clinical Study Of MRX-4 In Allergic Rhinitis

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 24 Oct 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs, announced the initiation of a Phase I tolerance study of MRX-4 in 16 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (AR).

The randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial is the first of two modules focusing on safety for Morria's first human study in AR. MRX-4 is nasally administered as a single dose either with or without an allergen challenge to determine tolerance. Results are expected by the end of the fourth quarter of 2007.

"We are excited to be taking this significant step toward introducing a potentially safer, more effective and more affordable treatment option to the multibillion-dollar AR market," said Yuval Cohen Ph.D., President of Morria.

"There is a real and urgent need for novel, non-steroidal treatments for inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis. Morria's drug platform could potentially offer such an alternative," said Peter Barnes, a professor at the National Heart & Lung Institute at Imperial College in London and Morria scientific advisory board member.

ABOUT ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects nearly 59 million people in the United States (nearly 20 percent of the population) with a market of nearly $4 billion. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal membranes accompanied by symptoms that may include sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching and rhinorrhea.

ABOUT MORRIA BIOPHARMACEUTICALS Plc

Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals known as multi-functional anti-inflammatory drugs (MFAIDs). This class of drugs uniquely combines two promising approaches to preventing and reversing inflammation: first, they control the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme family, a known but previously elusive anti-inflammatory drug target. At the same time, they also protect cells and tissues against inflammatory damage. Morria is determined to become a pivotal player in the $20 billion anti-inflammatory drug market by developing and commercializing novel drugs for acute pulmonary and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit http://www.morria.com.

This release is not an invitation nor is it an offer to purchase or subscribe for shares. This release is only intended for persons falling within the exception set out in regulation 47 of the Financial Promotion order -- Persons in the business of disseminating information.

Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc
http://www.morria.com

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