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news.DS Biopharma has launched a spin-out company focused solely on fibrotic conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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The new company, Afimmune, will continue the clinical development of DS102, a novel, anti-fibrotic compound. The company will study DS102 in NASH in addition to certain pulmonary disorders. Afimmune has a number of other compounds in pre-clinical development.
DS Biopharma will focus on the development of DS107, an anti-inflammatory compound for atopic dermatitis and pruritus and DS109 for other inflammatory skin disorders such as acne.
Dr. John Climax, Executive Chairman of DS Biopharma, said: 'By spinning out DS102 into a new company, DS Biopharma can direct its full attention to developing products for inflammatory skin conditions whereas Afimmune will focus on fibrotic conditions and pulmonary disorders.'
Afimmune plans to start a phase IIa study with DS102 in NASH patients later this year, this compound having been shown to be safe and well tolerated in a phase I trial.
The company also plans to start a phase IIa clinical trial in COPD patients following positive pre-clinical data.