In a phase I randomized, double-blind trial of 18 healthy volunteers, results showed that, in the treated subjects, ozone-induced sputum neutrophilia was inhibited. Neutrophils are believed to play a key role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive disease of the airways.
The compound is one of five to have emerged from a collaboration between Schering-Plough and discovery and development company Pharmacopeia.
According to the terms of the collaboration, Schering-Plough is responsible for further development of the compounds. Pharmacopeia is eligible to receive milestone payments related to successful advancement of compounds and future royalties on sales of resulting products.
“The findings from this trial are very encouraging as they demonstrate the potential for this compound to effectively inhibit a key component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” said Dr Les Browne, Pharmacopeia’s president and CEO. “We are looking forward to seeing how the compound performs in further clinical studies.”