Antisense trial results seen as favourable

Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) has presented preliminary data from a Phase I clinical trial for its antisense multiple sclerosis drug ATL1102 at the Australian Neuroscience Society's annual conference last week.

Preliminary results from the trial, which is looking at safety and pharmacokinetic aspects, suggest favourable pharmacokinetics.

The placebo-controlled, randomised and double-blinded trial includes both male and female healthy volunteers and is evaluating single and multiple dosing regimens by more than one route of administration.

"We're very pleased that the study appears to be progressing very well," said CEO Mark Diamond. "This gives us sufficient data to suggest we should start preparing for a Phase IIa trial."

Diamond said the final results of the trial would be released mid-year, and the company hoped to file for regulatory approval and commence the Phase IIa study in the second half of the year to examine the effect of the drug in patients with multiple sclerosis.

He said the company was currently in discussions with potential clinical participants and contract research organisations over the design of Phase II trials.

Antisense also plans to take its other lead antisense compound, psoriasis drug ATL1101, into human studies later this year. Diamond said the company is currently manufacturing and formulating the drug for use in animal toxicity studies.