SURFACE LOGIX STARTS PHASE 2A CLINICAL TRIAL OF SLx-4090 IN DYSLIPIDEMIA
BOSTON, Mass. (June 06, 2007) – Surface Logix Inc.
today announced the initiation of a Phase 2a
clinical trial of SLx-4090 in patients with
dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the
bloodstream). The trial will investigate the drug’s
effect on reducing plasma lipid levels by preventing
the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and
triglycerides. SLx-4090 is an enterocyte-specific
microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)
inhibitor being developed for the treatment of
dyslipidemia.
“This study builds on the positive data from Phase 1
trials completed last year, in which SLx-4090 was shown
to have a clear impact on reducing the peaks of
triglyceride seen after meals and reducing overall
levels of LDL,” said Jim Mahoney, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Surface Logix. “The impressive
tolerability and safety profile seen to-date reflects
the fact that SLx-4090 works selectively in the
gastrointestinal tract but is not absorbed into the
blood stream.”
“Based on the preclinical data and the effects seen in
the Phase 1 trials, SLx-4090 is predicted in longer-term
patient studies to reduce LDL cholesterol, impact
favorably HDL/LDL ratios, and reduce fasting
triglyceride levels,” Mahoney continued. “If the data
continues as we have seen to date, we believe SLx-4090
will have utility as an additional treatment option for
patients who do not reach lipid and triglyceride target
levels on current therapies.”
The
Phase 2a trial is a single center, randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study that will enroll
24 patients with dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and
triglyceride levels). The primary study objective is to
investigate the effect on post prandial plasma
triglycerides of repeat oral doses of SLx-4090 for 14
days. Secondary trial objectives are to evaluate the
effect of SLx-4090 on additional pharmacodynamic
parameters such as HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and apoB
values; to determine the candidate’s safety,
tolerability, and pharmacokinetics.
About SLx-4090 in Dyslipidemia
SLx-4090
is a novel microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)
inhibitor being developed for the treatment of
dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the
bloodstream). Surface Logix designed SLx-4090 using its
proprietary small molecule
Pharmacomer™ Technology to act specifically
in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to prevent the
transport of fats through the intestinal wall. This
unique feature of intestinal selectivity allows activity
against fat uptake while avoiding toxicity at other
sites of MTP expression including the liver, heart,
testis, ovary, and eye. Surface Logix is also exploring
the use of SLx-4090 in other metabolic disorders,
including obesity and diabetes.
Dyslipidemia currently affects approximately 10% of the
global population, with 25% of these patients having
elevated triglyceride levels. In addition, there is an
increasing prevalence and medical need for
lipid-modifying drugs in obese patients and patients
with type 2 diabetes, as a high proportion of type 2
diabetic patients have abnormal concentrations of
lipoproteins. In the U.S., Japan and Europe, it is
estimated that there are more than 240 million people
with abnormal lipoprotein levels. Of these, more than
55 million are estimated to have low high density
lipoprotein (HDL) and/or high triglyceride levels.
About
Surface Logix Inc.
Surface Logix Inc. uses its expertise in biophysical
chemistry to create and develop novel small
molecule drugs (NCE’s) with superior intrinsic drug-like
properties that are clearly differentiated from
competitive products. The company is advancing multiple
internal programs focused primarily on cardiovascular,
metabolic, inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. For more information, please visit
http://www.surfacelogix.com
Contact:
Leland Webster, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Surface Logix Inc.
Vice President, Corporate Development
617.746.8520
Media:
Kari Watson
MacDougall Biomedical Communications Inc.
kwatson@macbiocom.com
508.647.0209
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