Galmed files provisional patent application for aramchol to treat lipodystrophy

The biopharmaceutical firm is focused on the development and commercialization of a once-daily, oral therapy for the treatment of liver diseases and cholesterol gallstones.

The company said that lipodystrophy is a medical condition characterized by abnormal or degenerative conditions of adipose tissue, or body fat, including the loss of body fat from various regions of the body and its redistribution and accumulation in other areas.

It may be hereditary, but is commonly associated with HIV and AIDS patients who develop lipodystrophy from treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapies, or HAARTs, or other protease inhibitors.

Currently, there is no approved medical treatment for lipodystrophy or its associated conditions.

In its Phase IIa clinical trial of aramchol in 60 NAFLD patients, the company observed a significant reduction in liver fat and improvement of certain metabolic parameters.

At present, the company intends to seek potential collaborations with US academic centers to explore the use of aramchol for the treatment of lipodystrophy.

Galmed chief medical officer Maya Halperin said in most cases, the effective use of HAART results in better treatment of AIDS such that it may become a manageable, chronic disease.

"However, the use of HAART has also created a need for a more effective treatment of lipodystrophy in this patient population," Halperin said.

"We currently believe that aramchol could become a viable treatment option for these patients and potentially result in improved quality of life."