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Algernon Pharmaceuticals’ NP-120 Reduced
Fibrosis in an Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Study by 56%
Outperforming USFDA Approved Treatments Nintedanib and
Pirfenidone
Algernon to seek a USFDA Orphan Drug
Designation
VANCOUVER, BC, Canada -- July 3, 2019 -- InvestorsHub NewsWire
-- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW) (OTCB: BTHCF) (the
“Company” or “ Algernon”), a
clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to
announce that NP-120, its repurposed lead candidate for treatment
of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), showed superiority in
reducing fibrosis over two globally approved therapies for IPF,
Pirfenidone and Nintedanib, in a well-established in vivo
animal model study of IPF.
Data from this recent study demonstrated a statistically
significant improvement in established fibrosis in a 21-day
bleomycin mouse model (treatment began on Day 7):
- Pirfenidone (100 mg/kg, BID), both a positive control and
comparator arm in the study, showed a 44% reduction in fibrosis vs
untreated controls (not statistically significant) as measured by
Trichrome staining and modified Ashcroft scoring.
- Nintedanib (40 mg/kg, QD), a second positive control and
comparator arm, and NP-251 (30 mg/kg, TID) both showed a 51%
reduction in fibrosis vs untreated controls (p<0.05).
- NP-120 (20 mg/kg, TID) showed a 56.0% reduction in
fibrosis vs untreated controls (p=0.015).
- In an earlier experiment, NP-121, which shares the same target
and similar pharmacology as NP-120, also reduced fibrosis to a
similar level as NP-120 at the same dose, suggesting a class effect
of the pharmacophore.
- NP-120 is a drug currently used for neurological indications in
Japan, and was originally developed by a global top 10
pharmaceutical company. NP-121 is a repositioned drug that has
undergone extensive Phase II and III testing.
“We have now completed two studies from an independent
laboratory, confirming that NP-120 is an effective anti-fibrotic
agent for IPF.” said Christopher J. Moreau, CEO of Algernon
Pharmaceuticals. “We believe NP-120 could represent a novel
approach to treat IPF and we look forward to advancing our lead
into a Phase II clinical trial as quickly as possible to establish
human efficacy. We also intend to pursue discussions with the firms
responsible for the development of NP-120 and NP-121, and to seek
an orphan designation with regulatory authorities.”
About IPF
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an orphan disease, is a type of
chronic lung condition characterized by a progressive and
irreversible decline in lung function and scarring (fibrosis) of
the lungs. There is no cure for IPF and there are currently no
procedures or medications that can remove the scarring from the
lungs.
According to research and consulting firm GlobalData’s latest
report, the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) market will rise
substantially from just over $900 million in 2015 to $3.2 billion
by 2025, representing a projected compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 13.6%.
About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage pharmaceutical
development company focused on advancing its lead compounds for
non–alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic kidney disease (CKD),
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
(IPF).
Click here to find out more about
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Christopher J. Moreau
CEO
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
604.398.4175 ext 701
info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com
investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com
www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com
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forward-looking statements relating to product development,
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other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking
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materially from the Company’s expectations include the failure to
satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and
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assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking
information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may
cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as
a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and
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The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any
forward-looking information. Such information, although considered
reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to
be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those
anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news
release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The
forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made
as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or
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