Vicore Pharma announces systemic sclerosis as the second indication for VP01
Mölndal, April 23, 2019 – Vicore Pharma AB (publ) a leading rare diseases pharmaceutical company today announces that it has selected diffuse systemic sclerosis (dSSc) as the second indication for its lead program VP01 (C21), which complements the primary indication, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a disease with a strong involvement of angiotensin II and an upregulation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R – the C21 target), which is known to mediate anti-fibrotic as well as vascular effects within a number of disease models. VP01 is currently being explored within an extended phase I study for dose optimization. Both phase IIa studies, in IPF and select patients with dSSc respectively, are expected to commence in the second half of 2019.
“We have decided to explore vascular mechanisms in diffuse systemic sclerosis as a complement to the antifibrotic effects investigated in IPF. The strong upregulation of AT2R in diffuse systemic sclerosis makes VP01 (C21) a distinctive target for this disease and presents an exciting opportunity for Vicore and its lead program, VP01”, says Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO of Vicore Pharma.
Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic severe autoimmune disease affecting skin as well as inner organs such as the lung. There is no cure for the disease and severe cases are treated with potent immunomodulatory drugs or autologous stem cell transplantation, with remaining challenges and high unmet need. It has been estimated that between 150-400 individuals per million have systemic sclerosis and its prevalence varies depending on factors such as geography. It is estimated that 20% of the systemic sclerosis patient population has the severe diffuse form. Systemic sclerosis is 3-4 times more common in women than men.
For further information, please contact:
Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO tel: +46 (0)70 975 98 63, carl-johan.dalsgaard@vicorepharma.com
This information is information that Vicore Pharma Holding AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CET on April 23, 2019
About Vicore Pharma Holding AB (publ)
Vicore Pharma is a Swedish rare disease pharmaceutical company focused on interstitial lung diseases and related indications. The company currently has two drug development programs, VP01 and VP02.
VP01 aims to develop the substance C21 for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“IPF”) and diffuse systemic sclerosis (“dSSc”). As a result of the acquisition of INIM Pharma AB in August 2018, the company’s pipeline expanded with a second drug development program, VP02. VP02 is based on a new formulation and delivery route of an existing immunomodulatory compound (an “IMiD”). VP02 focuses on the underlying disease and the severe cough associated with IPF. VP01 and VP02 are also being actively evaluated for other indications within the field of interstitial lung diseases which has a significant high unmet need. The acquisition of INIM Pharma meant an expansion of Vicore Pharma’s operation and a clear strategy focused on developing drugs for the treatment of rare and severe lung diseases. VP01 is currently within an extended phase I study and the start of the Phase IIa study in IPF patients is expected to commence during the second half of 2019. VP02 is entering a phase of optimization of formulation before local tolerability studies will commence. The first clinical studies with VP02 are expected to start in 2020.
The company’s share (VICO) is listed for trading on Nasdaq First North in Stockholm. The company´s certified adviser is Erik Penser Bank, telephone: +46 8 463 83 00, e-mail: certifiedadviser@penser.se. For more information, see www.vicorepharma.com
Source: Vicore Pharma
