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news.Ark Therapeutics Group has released positive results from a number of collaborative research programmes for the use of EG013, Ark's adenoviral vector containing a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in the treatment of foetal growth restriction (FGR) during pregnancy.
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In collaboration with Ark, the pre-clinical studies were partly funded by the Wellcome Trust, carried out by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health (University of Aberdeen).
The studies preclinical sheep models of foetal growth restriction demonstrated that following treatment with Ad.VEGF there was an increase in birth weight and that other standard measurements, including abdominal circumference (AC) and renal volume (RV) are increased.
Ark CEO Martyn Williams said that recently they announced a corporate re-structuring of the business a key element of which is an increased focus upon their early stage platforms and products.
"Taken together these studies demonstrate that through our research collaborations in UK centres of excellence we have achieved significant results in recognised FGR pre-clinical models which will allow us to accelerate the development of the EG013 programme towards the clinic," Williams said.
"They show the beneficial effect of adenoviral VEGF on the target tissue and the lack of adverse effect on the placenta. Further studies are underway to prepare for definitive toxicology and clinical studies."