VASTox updates on neuro-disorder programs

Oxford, UK-based biotechnology firm VASTox says it is preparing to commence the next set of clinical trials in its two leading neuro-disorder programs, which target two symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Both programs were from DanioLabs, which VASTox acquired in March.

This development follows positive results from initial Phase I studies of the small-molecule drug candidates, which show them not only to be safe but also to significantly suppress saliva and sebum production, the causes of two distressing symptoms in Parkinson's disease, sialorrhoea (drooling) and seborrhoea (greasy skin), respectively. The results from the sebum study were so pronounced, with a reduction in sebum production of 70%, that it has led VASTox to investigate this clinical candidate as a potential treatment in the multi-billion dollar acne market.

In the seborrhoea program, recruitment for the next Phase I clinical trial is underway and VASTox expects to begin this in mid-2007. In sialorrhoea, a combined Phase I/II clinical trial in patients will commence in the fourth quarter of 2007.