CP404 is a calcium channel blocker used in oral dosage form to treat high-blood pressure. The novel mechanism for the drug therapy is based on the inhibition of calcium channel activity in the olfactory pathways.
Local blockade of the sense of smell is predicted to reduce individuals’ interest in food intake and lead to therapeutic weight reduction.
In the study, the patients were given one of three doses of the drug to test safety, tolerability and impact on smell perception.
In the pilot study, the patients were blindly administered either the drug or an inert saline solution via a nasal spray.
Frank Greenway, principle investigator of the study, said: “Finding a significant reduction in blood pressure as a result of nasal administration would have been a concern.
“We are pleased that no significant adverse events were reported and that the drug administration was well tolerated. Based on these encouraging results Phase 2 studies are now being planned for the second half of 2010 and will incorporate a change in eating behavior as an endpoint.”