4D Pharma starts clinical tests for IBS treatment
BIO-medical company 4D Pharma has begun a clinical trial for the treatment of irratable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The Mancheser-based firm which focuses on the development of live biotherapeutics said it has begun phase one of the trial.
IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterised by discomfort, pain and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
It is estimated that 10-15% of the population have IBS, with only 30-35% of patients seeking medical attention, the majority of which have persistent symptoms. There are currently few approved treatment options, all of which focus on the modulation of symptoms.
The clinical trial will assess the safety and tolerability of Blautix in a number of healthy volunteers and individuals with IBS. In addition, clinical symptoms and biomarkers relevant to the mechanism of action of Blautix will be assessed. The trial is expected to be completed in late 2015.
4D Pharma’s chief scientific officer Dr Alex Stevenson said: “Having obtained regulatory and ethical approval for the Blautix clinical trial, dosing of the first subjects represents an important milestone in the development of the live biotherapeutics class. Blautix has been designed to treat the underlying cause of IBS, rather than just the symptoms and we look forward to assessing its effects in a clinical setting.”
