Replidyne halts Ph III trial of faropenem

USA-based Replidyne has discontinued enrollment in a placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial testing faropenem medoxomil in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Replidyne took this action to conserve cash and to pursue strategic transactions while maintaining research.

The AECB study is one in a package of four clinical trials, including two in community-acquired pneumonia and one in acute bacterial sinusitis, recommended as a way forward by the US Food and Drug Administration for a new drug application submission for faropenem to treat these three adult community respiratory tract infections. Replidyne has not initiated the other three trials and, consistent with prior guidance, further development will depend on the Louisville, Colorado-based firm securing a partner for the program. Company chief executive Kenneth Collins said "this decision reflects our sense of urgency and the belief that in today's environment available cash assets broaden the scope of potential partnering and strategic options."