Hitchin, UK, 30 June 2005 York Pharma plc, the AIM-listed (AIM:YRK) strategic acquirer, developer and marketer of pharmaceutical products in the field of dermatology, announces ethics committee approval for the start of a Phase II study in Australia of YP003, the company’s patented product with potential in the treatment of psoriasis. Dosing of patients will commence shortly, and the study is expected to complete by the end of 2005. The psoriasis market is valued at approximately $630m currently and projected to grow to $2bn by 20081.
The randomised, double-blind Phase II study will compare the activity of topical YP003, which has a novel mechanism of action, to calcipotriol or placebo on multiple test sites in each patient using a microplaque technique. Calcipotriol (marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Leo as Dovonex) is the gold standard therapy used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis, which affects approximately 85% of patients. Data generated to date indicates that YP003 may have a favourable profile in terms of efficacy, irritancy and safety compared with the gold standard treatments for psoriasis.
The product has shown a powerful and statistically significant interruption of the cellular proliferation that is a hallmark of psoriasis, the reversal of which is a principal objective for an effective treatment. It inhibits an enzyme not previously targeted in psoriasis therapy, that acts as a regulator of cellular proliferation and which is overactive in psoriatic lesions compared with normal skin. This unique mechanism of action means that YP003 has the potential for maintaining efficacy during continued use, unlike some currently used agents which lose efficacy over time.
Commenting on the announcement, Terry Sadler, Chief Executive of York Pharma, said: "This important milestone is excellent news for the company and its shareholders, demonstrating further progress with our innovative product pipeline. As illustrated by our comprehensive and accelerated clinical development plan for YP003, we believe that it has the potential to be an important new treatment for psoriasis."
1 SG Cowen research, 14 January 2004 --ENDS--
For more information please contact:
York Pharma plc
Terry Sadler, CEO 0870 066 4453
Northbank Communications 0207 886 8150
Emma Palmer/Douglas Pretsell/Rowan Minnion
