Akela Pharma enrolls first patient in asthma trial

The trial is a multi-centered, double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized cross-over study to evaluate the effects of inhaled CGRP on clinical and inflammatory parameters in adult patients with mild asthma following allergen challenge test.

A total of 16 patients will be enrolled in two randomized one week treatment periods (either 5mg CGRP or placebo).

“Having already successfully demonstrated the CGRP bronchoprotective efficacy for the first time in human asthmatics in the previous Phase IIa study and based on the compelling results previously obtained in pre-clinical studies, we are now looking forward to demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties,” said Dr Halvor Jaeger, CEO of Akela Pharma. “Positive results from this study would confirm CGRP’s potential as a strong alternative to the usual combination asthma therapies.”

Akela CGRP is a 37 amino acid natural neuropeptide produced in the lung in response to allergic stimuli. As a potential drug, it has demonstrated in preclinical studies a profile that could make it an anti-asthmatic drug candidate with bronchodilatory, bronchoprotecting and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the company.