The study, which enrolled 258 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, evaluated Icos’ phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, IC485, at three doses compared to placebo.
“While we are disappointed with the IC485 study results, we continue to believe that PDE4 inhibitors may prove beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory disorders,” commented Dr David Goodkin, vice president of development and chief medical officer of Icos.
“We will now shift our focus to preclinical-stage PDE4 inhibitors that are more potent and have other characteristics that enhance the probability of clinical success,” Goodkin continued.
Bothell, Washington-headquartered biotech firm Icos is currently marketing its first product, Cialis (tadalafil) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, through Lilly Icos LLC, a joint venture between Icos and Eli Lilly. The company is also working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer and inflammatory diseases.