Pharmaceutical Business review

Topigen initiates phase I asthma study

Topigen’s dual-antisense compound, ASM8 targets multiple mediators and has been demonstrated in pre-clinical studies to block two major pathways of the inflammation response, thus shutting down the most important components of the response.

Topigen believes that ASM8 has the potential to replace steroids in the treatment of asthma and may provide patients with a convenient once-a-day topical dosing regimen while also showing an improved side effect profile over other medications currently available.

“The market opportunity for a novel asthma product delivered directly to the site of action is significant,” explained Dr Paul Wotton, Topigen’s president and CEO. “The initiation of our phase I study in Canada for ASM8 has been a top priority for our company and marks an important first step in the clinical development of our lead product.”