Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Compellis Pharmaceuticals Complete Phase I Study of Novel and Patented Obesity Therapy

July 22, 2010 |

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BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - July 22, 2010) -

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Compellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an early-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel mechanism-based therapeutics for the treatment of obesity, announced today with its collaborator Pennington Biomedical Research Institute at Louisiana State University, that they have successfully completed a human Phase I pilot clinical trial. Study subjects were given one of three doses of the drug (CP404) to test safety, tolerability and impact on smell perception. CP404 is a calcium channel blocker and has been used in oral dosage form to treat high-blood pressure. The novel mechanism for the drug therapy is based on the inhibition of calcium channel activity in the olfactory pathways. Local blockade of the sense of smell is predicted to reduce individuals' interest in food intake and lead to therapeutic weight reduction.

For this pilot study subjects were blindly administered either the drug or an inert saline solution via a nasal spray. Blood pressure was checked on a frequent basis. No significant adverse events were reported. Smell testing documented a clear trend for temporary reduction in smell perception that spontaneously reversed over time.

"Finding a significant reduction in blood pressure as a result of nasal administration would have been a concern," said Dr. Frank Greenway, principle investigator. "We are pleased that no significant adverse events were reported and that the drug administration was well tolerated. Based on these encouraging results Phase 2 studies are now being planned for the second half of 2010 and will incorporate a change in eating behavior as an endpoint."

About Compellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Compellis Pharmaceuticals, an early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel mechanism-based therapeutics for the treatment of obesity and related disorders. The company reformulates FDA approved products and identifies proprietary delivery methods to treat broad metabolic disorders and improve quality of life. For more information, please visit www.compellis.com.

About The Pennington Biomedical Research Institute
The Pennington Biomedical Research Institute is recognized as one of the world's outstanding obesity and nutrition research centers. The Pennington Center's mission is to promote healthier lives through research, education in nutrition and preventive medicine. For more information please visit www.pbrc.edu.