UK GPs to test for asthma using Pharmaxis’ Aridol

Having recently completed the Phase III clinical trials for its patented asthma prognostic, Aridol, Sydney-based Pharmaxis (ASX: PXS) today announced that the first patients had been enrolled in a major UK clinical study.

This will be the first in-field use of Aridol by GPs, and will allow comparisons between Aridol and existing diagnosis techniques used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some 16 per cent of people now diagnosed with asthma do not have the disease. The study will follow patients for 12 months and is expected to complete in 2006.

Pharmaxis, meanwhile, is analysing its Phase III data, a process expected to be completed by September. A positive outcome would allow the company to apply to Australian and European pharmaceutical regulatory agencies later this year for permission to begin marketing the test in 2005.