Phytopharm well-funded as it invests in neurodegenerative pipeline
This article was originally published in Scrip
Phytopharm says its three year cash runway will see it through to the end of a recently initiated Phase II trial in early-stage Parkinson's disease with lead candidate Cogane plus ready two other programmes to enter clinical testing.
The UK based firm intends to partner Cogane in Parkinson's disease after the Phase II trial is completed, slated for the end of 2012, but will consider partnering its amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and glaucoma programmes "a little earlier", Phytopharm's new CEO Tim Sharpington told Scrip. Cogane is being evaluated for its potential in the treatment of ALS and Alzheimer's disease, while Cogane and another sapogenin compound, Myogane, are being assessed in glaucoma.
In December last year, Phytopharm raised £24 million in a placing and open offer. Preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2010 put its loss after tax at £3.8 million (2009: £3.9 million). Cash and equivalents stood at around £24 million (2009: £3.9 million).
Parkinson's trial
Recruitment of patients with Parkinson's disease into the multinational Cogane Phase II dose ranging study (CONFIDENT-PD) began in early November. The study will investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Cogane administered for 28 weeks to around 400 patients with early stage disease. Three doses will be tested compared with placebo. The primary endpoint will be the change from baseline to end of treatment in activities of daily living and motor function as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Parts II and III. Secondary endpoints will include measures of non-motor symptoms including cognitive function.
The cognitive function data will also be assessed with a view to progressing Cogane as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, added Mr Sharpington.
Phytopharm's sapogenin compounds are orally available neurotrophic factor inducers that can cross the blood brain barrier.