Savara Pharmaceuticals has announced positive top-line results from a Phase 1 study of its AeroVanc inhaled dry powder formulation of vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. According to the company, the study demonstrated that AeroVanc was well tolerated, that clearance of the drug from the lungs was slow, and that patients had high concentrations of vancomycin in their sputum.
Savara CEO Robert Neville commented, “Pulmonary delivery of vancomycin is a very promising treatment concept to ensure high drug concentrations at the site of infection, while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment burden. In this trial we have demonstrated sputum concentrations of vancomycin known to effectively kill MRSA, and we therefore have high confidence in being able to suppress or even eradicate the infection with AeroVanc in our Phase 2a study in MRSA-infected patients.”
The company also announced that it has raised $8.6 million that it will use to advance AeroVanc through the Phase 2a efficacy study, which it plans to start in early 2013. “Today, almost one-third of patients with CF are infected with MRSA and the need for an effective therapeutic is urgent. We are grateful for the significant and continued interest among investors in advancing AeroVanc through the clinic for the benefit of all MRSA-infected CF patients,” Neville said.
Read the Savara press release on the study results.
Read the Savara press release on its financing round.
