Verona Pharma - RNS (29th September 2015)

Verona Pharma (VRP) - Update on RPL554 Clinical Study

The RNS released this morning looks encouraging, see below:

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29 Sep 2015 07:00:00

Verona Pharma PLC

Verona Pharma plc

("Verona Pharma" or the "Company")

 Positive headline data from RPL554 clinical study in COPD patients

New suspension formulation is well tolerated; results signal marked improvement in lung function 

RPL554 remains on track for entry into Phase IIb clinical trials in 2H 2016

29 September 2015, Cardiff ? Verona Pharma plc (AIM: VRP.L), the drug development company focused on first-in-class medicines to treat respiratory diseases, today announces encouraging positive headline data of the third and final part (part C) of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled Single Ascending Dose (SAD) / Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) clinical study in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study uses a new proprietary and commercially scalable nebulised suspension formulation of the Company?s lead pipeline drug, RPL554.^1,2 The primary objective of this part of the study was to show the safety and tolerability of the new drug formulation in stable COPD patients with moderate severity of disease.³ Measurement of lung function using FEV1⁴ was included. Evaluation of the full data set is ongoing and will be presented in an appropriate scientific, peer-reviewed forum at a later date.

Highlights: Part C of study in 32 stable COPD patients with moderate disease severity³

• Primary objective of study met: Drug formulation well tolerated at all dose levels; No serious adverse events reported
  • Adverse event profile similar to that seen with placebo
  • Absence of gastro-intestinal or cardiovascular adverse events

• RPL554 caused pronounced improvement in lung function
  • Mean peak FEV1 increase ranged from 199ml to 257ml versus placebo
  • Extent of bronchodilation exceeds that seen in earlier studies with original proof of concept formulation

• Data continue to support twice daily dosing regimen with RPL554

• Data consistent with that from earlier part A and B of study in healthy volunteers
• Evaluation of the full data set from this trial is ongoing

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The Full announcement can be seen HERE!

The Sharescope price graph is also very interesting...

Verona Pharma - SharePrice Graph (10 months)

Summary

The news-flow has been positive for Verona Pharma, in relation to RPL554 and it could eventually cause this share to "take off". As ever, it's a matter of judgement as to whether to invest (and when)... take a look and let me know what you think.

Mick (29th September 2015)