Canadian respiratory drug developer Asmacure has dosed the first subjects in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its ASM-024 inhalation powder for the treatment of asthma, the company says. According to the company, “ASM-024 has a novel multi-functional mechanism of action with nicotinic and muscarinic effects and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, bronchoprotection and smooth muscle relaxation in pre-clinical asthma models.”
Asmacure Founder and Chief Medical Officer Yvon Cormier commented, “With its anti-inflammatory, bronchoprotection and smooth muscle relaxation effects shown in pre-clinical asthma models and the results from our Phase 2 program with our solution formulation, ASM-024 shows potential as a new treatment option for individuals with asthma. The novel mechanism of action could prove beneficial for patients with moderate to severe asthma and COPD where the dual nicotinic and muscarinic effects could provide added benefit.”
CEO Martin Driscoll added, “We are pleased to be bridging from our ASM-024 solution clinical program into clinical studies with our preferred DPI formulation in moderate asthma patients. With the growing need for adjunctive treatments in the effort to better control moderate to severe asthma, we are hopeful the novel mechanism of ASM-024 will provide clinicians and patients with a new adjunctive option. We also look forward to the progression of the ASM-024 DPI into a Phase 2 COPD trial later this summer.”
Read the Asmacure press release.
