Targeting cystic fibrosis inflammation

An inflammation drug candidate has been chosen as a lead and will be advanced into development after showing high levels of activity in animal models of inflammatory respiratory disease.

CP-92, an Australian innovation by Cryptopharma Pty Ltd, will initially be developed for the treatment of acute inflammation associated with cystic fibrosis.

Cystis fibrosis causes progressive loss of airway function through chronic or acute respiratory infections and scarring. About 43% of patients have episodes of acute flare-ups of the condition annually, requiring hospitalisation and intensive therapy. Treatment of acute patients involves antibiotics, rest and inflammation control.

Current anti-inflammatory drugs and expensive monoclonal therapies used to contain the damage do not adequately control these acute inflammatory episodes.

The product dossier was reviewed by an independent panel of international experts in the areas of safety, efficacy, manufacturability and development of pharmaceuticals.

The panel unanimously recommended that the product be formally moved into development. This will include animal toxicology studies and, if these are successful, Phase I studies in human subjects.