Glenmark starts Phase-IIb human trials of Revamilast molecule

NEW DELHI: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday said it has started Phase-IIb human trials of its 'Revamilast' molecule, which is being developed for treatment of inflammatory disorders like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Phase-IIb studies of Revamilast (GRC 4039) will help in establishing the efficacy and safety of the molecule, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

"The clinical trials and the animal studies data for Revamilast are promising for both indications -- asthma and rheumatoid arthritis," Glenmark Pharmaceuticals President and Chief Medical Officer Steffen Stuerzebecher said.

The company has already received approvals from authorities in various countries for conducting the Phase-IIb trials for asthama and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Glenmark said.

"Globally, there are over 300 million asthma patients and over 20 million patients have RA. The current RA market is estimated to be at USD 26 billion and the asthma market is estimated at USD 30 billion," it added.

The molecule has successfully completed pre-clinical trials and Phase-I studies. The Phase-I studies were mainly conducted in the UK.

"For Glenmark, this is a significant development, as we have built on more than a decade of experience in the PDE 4 space to progress an exciting molecule to Phase-II human trials," Stuerzebecher added.

Phase-IIB is specifically designed to study the efficacy of a drug in terms of how well it works at the prescribed dosages.

Shares of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals were being quoted at Rs 312.95 apiece in afternoon trade on the BSE today, up 2.17 per cent from their previous close.