Ajinomoto announces Phase 2a results of oral alpha 4 integrin antagonist AJM300 in ulcerative colitis patients

Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (President, Takashi Nagamachi; Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan) announced on May 13 that the Phase 2a results of an oral alpha 4 integrin antagonist, AJM300, in patients with ulcerative colitis were presented in the Joint Presidential Plenary Session at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2014 held May 3 - 6 in Chicago, IL, USA.

In inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis, excessive infiltration of lymphocytes into the inflamed lesion is known to be associated with the disease progression. AJM300 has a new mode of action that prevents the adhesion and invasion of lymphocytes mainly to the inflamed lesion.

Dr. Mamoru Watanabe, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, who is the presenter of the above, says, "The clinical study data suggests that AJM300 can be a promising new treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis who are not satisfied with current conventional therapies." He also says, "AJM300 has an advantage of orally available medicine. I look forward to the day when a Japan-origin new drug contributes to treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in the world."