MONTREAL, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - AKELA Pharma Inc., , a drug development company focused on developing therapies for the inhalation, pain and CNS markets, today announced that it has enrolled the first patient in the CGRP Phase IIb clinical trial.
CGRP Phase IIb is a multi-centered, double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized cross-over study to evaluate the effects of inhaled CGRP on clinical and inflammatory parameters in adult patients with mild asthma following allergen challenge test. A total of 16 patients will be enrolled in two randomized one week treatment periods (either 5mg CGRP b.i.d. or placebo).
“Having already successfully demonstrated the CGRP bronchoprotective efficacy for the first time in human asthmatics in the previous Phase IIa study and based on the compelling results previously obtained in pre-clinical studies, we are now looking forward to demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties. Positive results from this study would confirm CGRP’s potential as a strong alternative to the usual combination asthma therapies.” said Dr. Halvor Jaeger, Chief Executive Officer of Akela Pharma Inc.
About Akela CGRP
Akela CGRP is a 37 amino acid natural neuropeptide produced in the lung in response to allergic stimuli. As a potential drug, it has demonstrated in preclinical studies a profile that could make it an ideal anti-asthmatic drug candidate with bronchodilatory, bronchoprotecting and anti-inflammatory properties.
About Akela Pharma Inc.
Akela Pharma is an integrated drug development company focused on developing therapies for the growing multi-billion dollar inhalation, pain and CNS markets. Its lead product, for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain, is a fast-acting Fentanyl formulation delivered using the Company’s TAIFUN(R) dry powder inhaler platform. Its pipeline also includes therapeutics for asthma, COPD, growth hormone deficiencies and abuse deterrent formulations for controlled substances.
Akela’s common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “AKL” with 82.3 million shares outstanding.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of AKELA Pharma Inc. with respect to its performance, business and future events. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly.
Akela Pharma Inc.
CONTACT: Frederic Dumais, Vice-President, Investor Relations, (514)315-3330, ext. 106, Fax: (514) 315-3325; Tina Posterli (U.S. Media,), (917)322-2565, tposterli@rxir.com; www.akelapharma.com
