Successful Phase I reports for GI drug

Positive phase I study results for a drug to treat ulcerative colitis have been reported by TopiVert Pharma Ltd, a portfolio company of Imperial Innovations. The company develops Narrow Spectrum Kinase Inhibitors (NSKIs) as methods of treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) and optical diseases. TOP1288, the drug tested in this instance as a rectal formulation, was found to provide an ‘excellent safety and tolerability profile’ in healthy volunteers, with minimal systemic exposure.

Maina Bhaman, director of Healthcare Ventures at Imperial Innovations said: “We are delighted with the progress the TopiVert team has made since commencing operations in 2012.

“These Phase I results represent a key clinical milestone and we are looking forward to seeing whether the potent anti-inflammatory effects observed with TOP1288 in preclinical testing translate into clinical benefits for patients.”

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. NSKIs are of interests to scientists as they provide broad, anti-inflammatory activity without affecting more than the specified area of the target drug. A Phase II proof of concept study for rectal formulations is due to begin in mid-2016, with results expected a year later. The Phase II study will see if TOP1288 provides ‘clinical benefit’ to patients with UC without harming healthy tissue near the GI tract. A Phase I study is expected to begin for an oral TOP1288 formulation after Q2 with results again expected in mid-2017.

TopiVert Pharma, has a range of investors including SV Life Sciences, NeoMed and Imperial Innovations. Imperial Innovations is a company set up by Imperial College London and creates and invests in companies, mainly in the Golden Triangle – the region between Oxford, Cambridge and London.