Altair Therapeutics initiates its IL-4 receptor alpha inhibitor bronchoprovocation phase 2 trial

Altair Therapeutics, Inc., a privately-held, biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for respiratory diseases, today announced the commencement of its IL-4 receptor alpha inhibitor bronchoprovocation trial. Study AIR645-CS2 is a phase 2, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of inhaled AIR645 in suppressing the asthmatic response in subjects with mild asthma. Results are expected in the third quarter of 2010.

“The data from preclinical and phase I studies of AIR645 have been very promising, showing that AIR645 has good safety and pharmacokinetic profiles,” said Michael Hodges, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Altair Therapeutics. “The favorable biomarker data and target (IL-4 receptor alpha mRNA) reduction demonstrated in the phase 1 study suggest that AIR645 will show good efficacy in this next study.”

Allergen bronchoprovocation tests are well-standardized and can offer key information about the therapeutic potential of new agents and their anti-inflammatory effects on the airways in shorter-term clinical studies. “The evaluation of AIR645 in this study will provide important information on the drug’s potential to improve lung function and to reduce airway inflammation” said Professor Paul O’ Byrne M.D., Chair, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario and primary investigator for the AIR645-CS2 study.

“The initiation of this phase 2 trial is a key milestone for Altair Therapeutics and the development of AIR645 as a new, safe and effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory control medication for asthma,” said Susan Gregory, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Cofounder of Altair Therapeutics. “We look forward eagerly to the results of this study, and to ultimately providing improved treatment for asthmatic patients worldwide.”

Source Altair Therapeutics