Aerovance's Aerovant performs well in Phase IIa asthma trial

California, USA-based biopharmaceutical company Aerovance says that it has seen positive top-line results from a Phase IIa trial of its developmental asthma treatment Aerovant, a combined interleukin 4- and -14 antagonist. The company acquired worldwide rights to the drug when it was formed as a spin-out from Bayer Pharmaceuticals in 2004 (Marketletters passim).

Data from the 30-patient study indicated that twice-daily usage of the drug for a period of 27 days reduced the severity of late asthmatic response (asthmatic attack) by a statistically significant 72%, compared with baseline. The firm added that the results showed that the agent reduced expiratory nitric oxide levels in patients who received therapy, indicating a reduction in the inflammation associated with the condition.