Phase I Clinical Trial at the University of Liverpool

The Phase I Clinical Trial to test AKL’s lead anti-inflammatory clinical candidate, APPA, as a potential new treatment for osteoarthritis is underway at the University of Liverpool Clinical Trials Unit. The trial has been approved for NIHR support.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting more than eight million people, and is the leading cause of joint pain and stiffness in older people.

Improved functionality

In pre-clinical animal testing trials, APPA has clearly demonstrated significant pain relief from OA, improved functionality and modification of the progression of the disease by slowing cartilage destruction.

The clinical trial program is being conducted at the Liverpool Clinical Trials Unit (LCTU) led by rheumatologist Professor Robert Moots from the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease.

‘Huge potential’

Professor Moots, said: “APPA has huge potential to provide an effective treatment for OA. A reliable and easy way to treat OA has clear potential to save large amounts of money for the NHS and greatly improve the lifestyle and health of patients.”

David Sharples, CEO of AKL, said: “APPA being in the clinic is a major accomplishment for AKLRD. The Phase I safety trial should be completed later this year. We then look forward to a Phase II 150 patient trial designed to demonstrate the robust evidence of efficacy we need to help bring this drug to market. There remains a high unmet need for an effective, well tolerated OA drug, so understandably we are very excited by APPA’s prospects”.