Preclinical studies suggest great potential for Aptahems drug candidate Apta-1
Aptahem, together with its US partner Hooke Laboratories in Boston, conducted preclinical studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of the drug candidate Apta-1 compared with Dexamethasone, one of the worldwide most prescribed drugs for inflammatory diseases. The studies indicate a beneficial effect profile for Apta-1 and that it clearly differs from Dexamethasone.
Completed preclinical studies in rats, show Apta-1 inhibiting several inflammatory factors, plus strongly stimulating certain parts of the body’s own anti-inflammatory response. The studies also show that Apta-1’s intended anti-inflammatory effects occur at non-toxic doses (dose levels that do not present any side effects), which clearly distinguishes Apta-1 from the benchmarked drug, which is associated with a number of side effects in its therapeutic area.
– I am pleased that we are continuing to get good data from the evaluation of Apta-1’s properties, it’s an important part of fulfilling the regulatory requirements for future clinical studies. Despite the fact this is still in the early stages of development and in animal models, it is also positive that Apta-1’s properties seem to offer benefits over the established drugs against inflammatory disorders, says Mikael Lindstam, CEO of Aptahem.
Aptahem is continuing to evaluate and document the effects of Apta-1 to meet the regulatory requirements for the clinical studies, according to the previously announced plan.
– Simply put, the studies so far seem to have shown Apta-1 having two major mechanisms of action; to counteract thrombosis and to inhibit inflammation, says Mikael Lindstam.
About the studies
In the studies the drug candidate Apta-1’s anti-inflammatory properties have been compared, in-vivo, with the reference drug Dexamethasone, which is one of the world’s most prescribed drugs for inflammatory diseases. The studies were conducted between August and September 2016 by the contract research company Hooke Laboratories – an independent professional laboratory based in Boston, USA. The studies show that Apta-1 inhibits the active inflammatory signaling factors and strongly activates the body’s own anti-inflammatory system, which is a significant qualitative difference from the reference drug. Also observed was that Apta-1’s effect was at non-toxic doses.
An internationally recognized statistical experimental model and a statistically significant number of observations were used in the studies. Hooke Laboratories has no interests in Aptahem.
For further information:
Mikael Lindstam, CEO Aptahem AB
Tel: + 46 (0)766-33 36 99
E-mail: ml@aptahem.com
About Aptahem
Aptahem is developing drug candidates for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by blockages in blood vessels as the result of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and heart failure. Thrombosis, also called clot, is the medical term for an increased and unhealthy coagulation of blood cells that cause more than 30 percent of all deaths worldwide. Thrombosis occurs either through genetic inheritance or by thrombosis occurs in conjunction with surgery, trauma, due to medication or by the victim suffering from a disease such as cancer. The company holds patents for Europe, China, the United States and Canada and the patent application in India.
Forward-looking statements
This communication contains statements about the future, consisting of subjective assumptions and forecasts for future scenarios. Predictions for the future only apply as of the date they are made and are, by their nature, as well as research and development work in the biotech segment, associated with risk and uncertainty. With this in mind, the actual outcome may deviate significantly from the scenarios described in this press release.
This information is information which Aptahem AB (publ) is obliged to publish under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was provided by the auspices of the above contact person, for publication on September 26, 2016.