PUR118, Pulmatrix's dry powder inhaled therapeutic drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well-tolerated and showed signs of anti-inflammatory activity, according to Phase IB results presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress.
PUR118 is Pulmatrix's lead iCALM inhaled therapeutic, and uses the company's iSPERSE dry powder delivery platform. In the Phase I trials, PUR118 cut the levels of inflammation biomarkers and improved mucus clearance in healthy volunteers and in people with mild COPD, reflecting its results in animal studies. PUR118 is also in preclinical development for asthma, cystic fibrosis and the flu.
"Based on the strength of these initial efficacy signals, we intend to now move forward into a Phase II trial of PUR118 in COPD patients," said John Hanrahan, chief medical officer and senior vice president at Pulmatrix.
This week, Pulmatrix appointed Chief Scientific Officer Robert Clarke to chief executive officer. He replaced Robert Connelly, who joined WikiCell Designs, a company that develops edible food and beverage packaging.
- read the press release from Pulmatrix
- learn more about Clarke's promotion from FierceBiotech