July 1, 2008

Peptimmune, Inc. announced that physicians have treated the first participant in a clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PI-2301 in subjects with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SP-MS). PI-2301 is a novel peptide copolymer for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

PI-2301 is a second-generation peptide copolymer from a similar compound class as Copaxone(R) (Teva Pharmaceuticals). PI-2301 works through immune modulation by enhancing the regulatory response of the immune system and thereby controlling the pathogenic autoimmune response observed in some diseases.

Not a lot of detail in this announcement, but Bionomics is developing a new generation of treatments for inflammatory disorders, based upon blockers of the Kv1.3 potassium ion channel and Merck is licensing them to treat diseases including MS. A bit more science info here.

Yet another MS drug candidate to watch out for.