ReAlta Life Sciences Commences Phase 2 Trial of RLS-0071 for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with First Patient Dosing
Thursday, February 22, 2024
ReAlta Life Sciences, Inc., a biotech company specializing in mid-stage clinical research, has initiated enrollment for a Phase 2 clinical trial for RLS-0071. This investigational drug, developed from ReAlta’s EPICC peptide platform, aims to address acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) in hospitalized patients. RLS-0071, the company’s primary dual-targeting peptide, inhibits both complement and neutrophil-associated inflammation. It is currently being explored for treating conditions like hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and acute graft-versus-host disease.
Dr. Kenji Cunnion, ReAlta's Chief Medical Officer, expressed optimism about RLS-0071's unique mechanism-of-action, which targets complement activation and neutrophil effectors. He highlighted the urgent need for effective AE-COPD treatments due to the limited options currently available.
ReAlta's CEO, Dr. Ulrich Thienel, emphasized the significance of this milestone, with two Phase 2 trials now underway. He underscored the substantial unmet need in AE-COPD treatment and the potential of RLS-0071 to address it effectively.
The Phase 2 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing RLS-0071's safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships in AE-COPD patients. Approximately 24 hospitalized patients will receive RLS-0071 or a placebo alongside standard care for up to five days. The primary endpoint is safety, with secondary endpoints including inflammation biomarkers, physiological responses, and clinical progression and resolution.
AE-COPD involves sudden exacerbations of respiratory symptoms triggered by lung infections or environmental irritants. These exacerbations can lead to hospitalization, irreversible lung damage, and death.
Source: businesswire.com
