Respiratorius’ RCD405 shows efficacy in preclinical study
Drug developer Respiratorius continues to gather evidence suggesting that their drug candidate RCD405 may have a role to play in the fight against COPD and severe asthma. Preclinical results from a recent ex vivo study show that the candidate’s effect corresponds to that of existing drugs on the market, which bodes well given its multiple mechanisms of action. BioStock contacted CEO Johan Drott to find out what the latest results mean for the project.
Lund based Respiratorius’ aim with its RESP9000-project is to develop drug candidates for the treatment of COPD and severe asthma. In early trials, the main substance RCD405 has shown almost complete relaxation of small airways isolated from human lung tissue, regardless of how these have been contravened.
Confirming past results
The company now presents data from an ex vivo study conducted during the spring and summer, confirming previous results. A concentration-dependent relaxing effect has been observed in all experimental series when studying the effect of RCD405 on lung tissue from rats, dogs and humans, after induced contraction.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The most interesting respiratory tissue in this context is, of course, that of humans. In this experiment, the relaxation was on par with that of other bronchodilatory substances on the market today. The advantage that Respiratorius sees with its candidate is that, in addition to the relaxing effects, it has also shown anti-inflammatory properties, which should generate an attractive position in the competitive landscape given market approval. Read more about the company’s view of the candidate’s potential here.
CEO comments
RCD405 is being developed as a powder formulation in collaboration with Iconovo, and the next step in the project will be to conduct toxicological inhalation studies before it enters the clinical development program. BioStock has spoken to Respiratorius’ CEO Johan Drott to learn more about what the latest results mean for the project.
First of all, what is your view on the new results regarding relaxation?
– These are crucial important results for RCD405 where, for the first time in the same model, we can compare with established bronchodilatory substances. Something that was also requested earlier at the scientific advisory meeting at the Swedish Medical Products Agency.
You stress that the candidate also has anti-inflammatory properties that other bronchodilatory substances on the market do not have. What significance does it have for the project, in your opinion?
– We consider the anti-inflammatory properties to be attractive because COPD as well as asthma are characterized not only by a contraction of the small airways, but also by an inflammatory process.
What activities will be important in the project in the future?
– The results trigger important decision-making points and now make it relevant to initiate toxicological studies. These studies are extensive and expensive, which is why we have waited for a decision. The results are also important for the application for approval of clinical studies to be initiated after the toxicological studies.
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