July 2, 2007 -- Hutchinson MediPharma Limited, the research and development division of Hutchinson Chi-Med, announced positive results from a Phase II trial of its lead drug candidate, HMPL-004, as a treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. HMPL-004 was shown to be well tolerated, and it produced roughly the same reduction in symptom scores as Mesalazine. Mesalazine works for only about 60% of the patient population, and it has a further problem in that patients develop resistance to the drug over time. Because HMPL-004 has a different mechanism of action, it would have a significant market opportunity, if the Phase III trial can produce similarly positive results. More details...
