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Cytochroma Inc.

Cytochroma Reports Successful Efficacy Trial for Novel Topical Treatment of Psoriasis

Markham, Canada (ots/PRNewswire)

Cytochroma Inc. today announced
results from a Phase Ia clinical study for CTA018, a novel vitamin D
analog developed for the treatment of psoriasis. The study, involving
17 healthy subjects with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, was
designed to characterize the local efficacy and safety of three
concentrations of CTA018. Results indicate that all three doses
appear to reduce the severity of psoriasis plaques with no local
tolerability concerns. The Company is currently concluding a Phase Ib
study with CTA018 to assess the drug's systemic safety and
pharmacokinetics.
"The data from the Phase Ia study is very encouraging," stated
Jukka Karjalainen, M.D., Ph.D., Vice-President of Drug Development at
Cytochroma. "We were able to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness in
reducing psoriasis, and that it did so without any symptoms or signs
of skin irritation is particularly promising. Treatment-related skin
irritation is one of the main complaints of psoriatic sufferers using
current treatments."
The Phase Ia study was a randomized, double-blind, within-subject
comparison of three doses of CTA018 (3, 10, and 20 (micro)g/g),
corresponding cream base (vehicle control) and an active control
(0.1% betamethasone). Each subject received all five creams applied
topically to the skin using a microplaque assay every 24 hours for 13
consecutive days with a subsequent follow-up 7 days post treatment.
There were no adverse events that were considered to be probably
related to treatment. All three doses were efficacious in reducing
the severity of psoriasis, and moreover showed significant residual
efficacy one week after the treatment compared to placebo.
Based on the data from the Phase Ia study, together with data
obtained in the Phase Ib study and nonclinical studies, Cytochroma
anticipates initiating a Phase II clinical trial with CTA018 in the
fourth quarter of 2005.
About CTA018
CTA018 is a novel vitamin D analog with a dual mechanism of
action. It is a strong activator of the vitamin D signaling pathway
and also a potent inhibitor of CYP24 activity (the enzyme responsible
for the breakdown of vitamin D). CTA018 was designed by Prof. Gary H.
Posner and is protected under patents and patent applications
exclusively licensed to Cytochroma Inc. from the Johns Hopkins
University.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated chronic skin disease often
characterized by red, scaly plaques that itch, burn, sting, and bleed
easily. It afflicts approximately 125 million people worldwide; more
than 70% of patients have the mild to moderate form. Psoriasis is
found in all age groups and often seriously compromises the quality
of life of those affected. Current methods of treatment are either
inconvenient, show poor remission rates, and/or have serious side
effects. Cytochroma has recognized that there is a need for improved
therapies.
About Cytochroma Inc.
Cytochroma Inc. is a specialty drug development company targeting
hyperproliferative disorders, autoimmune diseases and chronic kidney
disease. The company is currently focused on developing and
commercializing innovative vitamin D analogs, significantly having a
dual mechanism of action, which address major medical needs in the
treatment of psoriasis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, multiple
sclerosis and cancer. For more information, please visit
www.cytochroma.com.

Contact:

For further information: Sheldon Kawarsky, Ph.D., Director, Business
Development, Cytochroma Inc., 330 Cochrane Drive, Markham, Ontario,
L3R 8E4, CANADA, Phone: +1-905-479-5306 ext. 337, Fax:
+1-905-479-1287, sheldon.kawarsky@cytochroma.com

Plus de actualités: Cytochroma Inc.
Plus de actualités: Cytochroma Inc.
  • 05.05.2005 – 14:06

    Cytochroma Secures Additional Financing

    Markham, Canada (ots/PRNewswire) - Cytochroma Inc. announced today that the Company has received the first tranche of a CDN $15 million financing. The funds will be used by Cytochroma to continue advancement of CTA018 towards a Phase II clinical trial for psoriasis as well as to extend its pipeline of late-stage preclinical products. This recent round of financing was led by VenGrowth Private Equity Partners Inc. ...