GenKyoTex S.A. Starts Phase I Trial with First in Class NOX Inhibitor GKT137831
The Phase I study initially involves the oral administration of single ascending doses of GKT137831 to 36 healthy volunteers. This will be followed by a multiple ascending dose study where GKT137831 will be administered orally for 10 consecutive days.
“We have started dosing healthy volunteers with this first in class drug and to date GKT137831 has been well tolerated,” stated Dr. Philippe Wiesel, Chief Medical Officer of GenKyoTex. “With its dual mode of action targeting NOX1 and 4, GKT137831 offers a promising new approach to the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. We aim to start Phase II studies in diabetic nephropathy before the end of 2012, once Phase I is successfully completed.”
‘’Initiating clinical studies with GKT137831 marks an important milestone for GenKyoTex and for the development of this novel therapeutic approach,’’ commented CEO Ursula Ney.
About NOX and its Role in Diabetic Nephropathy
Nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases - NOX enzymes - exist in seven forms and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can cause tissue damage and modify biological pathways that may be important in a number of pathologies, including metabolic, cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurological diseases. In the kidney, NOX4 is the most abundantly expressed NOX enzyme. The role of NOX enzymes in diabetic complications is well recognised, with NOX4 being selectively induced in human diabetic nephropathy and in models of the disease. NOX 1 is also involved in angiogenesis, atherosclerosis and other co-morbidities, making the dual inhibition of the enzymes by GKT137831, an attractive therapeutic option for this hard to treat and growing global disease.
GenKyoTex at BIO-Europe
Dr. Ursula Ney, CEO of GenKyoTex will provide an update on the company, including the Phase I study of GKT137831 at 9:15 am on November 2, 2011 in Room 26, Level 2.
About GenKyoTex
GenKyoTex is developing first in class, small molecule therapeutics that selectively inhibit the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase - the NOX family of enzymes. Using a unique screening platform, GenKyoTex has identified novel NOX inhibitors with the potential to treat disease areas with a high clinical need and large market potential. GenKyoTex was founded in 2006 by scientists from Switzerland, the USA and Japan with backing from Geneva incubator Eclosion. A Series C round was closed earlier this year led by Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners and joined by other new investors Vesalius BioCapital and MP Healthcare Venture Management. For further information please visit our Website: www.genkyotex.com.
For further information, contact:
Dr. Ursula Ney
CEO, GenKyoTex
Tel: +41 22 880 1025
Mo: +44 7900 898 708
Email: ursula.ney@genkyotex.com
Mike Sinclair
Halsin Partners
Tel: +44 20 7318 2955
Email: msinclair@halsin.com