Verona to conduct clinical trials of asthma candidate

UK-based drug discovery company Verona has signed a contract to begin clinical trials with RPL554, its candidate for asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The study will be conducted in the Netherlands at the Center for Human Drug Research on obtaining the necessary approvals. Verona anticipates that the first subjects will be dosed in November and the trial will be completed during the first half of 2009.

This will be a combined Phase I/Phase IIa clinical trial, designed to ascertain the safety of RPL554 and at the same time provide evidence of its clinical effectiveness in asthmatics and patients with allergic rhinitis. The firm expects the trial to establish RPL554's bronchodilator, broncho-protective and anti-inflammatory actions.