Advanced Life Sciences claimed that ALS-886 is a small molecule therapeutic that, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated efficacy in both scavenging existing free radicals and sequestering free iron.
The goal of treatment with ALS-886 for ARDS will be to reduce the tissue damage brought about by the free radicals in the lungs.
The FDA’s US Orphan Drug Act is intended to assist and encourage companies to develop safe and effective therapies for the treatment of rare diseases and disorders.
Previous animal toxicology studies have demonstrated the safety and benign side effect profile of ALS-886.
In addition, the mild safety profile shown in animal studies supports the possibility that ALS-886 could be used as a prophylactic.
That is, it could be administered to individuals who are at high risk of developing ARDS, such as patients suffering from sepsis or severe trauma, in order to prevent the underlying condition from leading to ARDS.
ALS-886 may also have applicability for other conditions in which free radicals cause tissue damage, such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. An open IND is in place to start Phase I clinical trials.
Advanced Life Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialisation of novel drugs in the therapeutic areas of infection, cancer and respiratory diseases.