This study will evaluate the tolerability, safety, and pharmacokinetics of IMS in normal human volunteers. IMS represents Inotek’s the second compound to have entered clinical trials The company is planning to move the compound into phase II trials toward the end of 2006.
IMS is a novel analogue of inosine, an endogenous purine and a natural by-product of adenosine metabolism. Inotek discovered the unique, anti-inflammatory properties of inosine, although inosine itself is not a candidate for drug development due to its rapid metabolism.
IMS was specifically developed to both take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of inosine and to avoid its metabolic pathway. “In this regard, IMS represents a potentially exciting and novel approach to inflammatory bowel disease and many other chronic inflammatory conditions,” the company said.