Apta-1 shows improved survival rate in extended study
Aptahem (publ) can announce today new positive results from an extended study performed with Hooke Laboratories (US), the collaborating partner. The results show that intravenous administration of Apta-1 correlates with an improved survival rate in test animals. The outcome confirms the effect of Apta-1 in a larger sample size, consequently improving the statistical strength of the results. The effect was significant at higher doses and in cases with a delayed treatment period, which by extension could indicate a prolonged treatment window of Apta-1, including in a clinical setting.
Aptahem (publ) can announce today new positive results from an extended preclinical study in a clinically relevant model for sepsis. The study was performed by Hooke Laboratories (US) and is a replication of an earlier study but with a much larger sample size, including more test animals, different dosage levels and treatment periods. All dosages in the study showed that Apta-1 demonstrated an improved survival rate in the test animals when the drug was administered intravenously, compared with the control group. Furthermore, higher dosages of Apta-1 showed a noticeably improved effect on survival rate, as did a delayed treatment period. The results of the study confirm the effect of Apta-1 in a larger number of test animals, consequently improving the statistical strength of the results. The effect was significant even in cases with a delayed treatment period, between the onset of illness and the administration of Apta-1, which by extension could indicate an extended treatment period of Apta-1, including in a clinical setting. Treatment with higher doses of Apta-1 resulted in a dosage-dependent reaction both in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, coupled with a higher survival rate.
Bengt-Åke Henriksson, MD, who previously worked at the intensive care unit at Sahlgrenska Hospital, and is currently on Aptahem’s scientific advisory board, comments “It is very positive to hear that the new study confirms the significant improvement in survival rate observed in the earlier study. In this study, our aim was to expose the drug to a wider array of clinically relevant situations and therefore we chose to broaden the treatment scheme for Apta-1 by testing dosage levels and times of administration. The results show that Apta-1 had significant effects in scenarios with higher treatment doses, which could in theory mean that the treatment window is larger than we initially thought. Our interpretation of the study’s results is that Apta-1 seems to exhibit a central and palpable effect that lowers mortality levels in test animals with induced sepsis.”
CEO of Aptahem Mikael Lindstam comments, ”The study confirms my conviction that we have chosen the correct target market for Apta-1. The results are important for us to maintain our competitive position and for future negotiations. If this also means that we can extend our treatment window, Apta-1 could serve a larger market and become an important treatment for more patients.”
The company aims to submit the first application to initiate a clinical phase 1 trial with Apta-1 during 2018. The study forms an important part of the preclinical program. The results of the study could also potentially be used to strengthen the company’s intellectual property rights portfolio.
For further information:
Mikael Lindstam, CEO, Aptahem AB
Tel: + 46 (0)766-33 36 99
E-mail: ml@aptahem.com
About Aptahem
Aptahem AB (APTA) is a biotechnology company that develops aptamer-based pharmaceuticals for the treatment of life-threatening conditions in which a combination of coagulation and inflammation are involved. The company’s primary pharmaceutical candidate, Apta-1, is being developed with the aim of preventing the high mortality rate caused by organ and tissue damage in sepsis patients, among others. The company possesses patent protection in strategic target markets and actively seeks business development opportunities with potential collaborators.
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 12 September 2017.