Ark Therapeutics pleased with results for EG013

Ark Therapeutics has said the results of several research programmes involving its EG013 product candidate have been "very promising".

EG013 is an adenoviral vector containing a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene for the treatment of severe foetal growth restriction (FGR) during pregnancy.

With the help of funding from the Wellcome Trust, Ark Therapeutics has carried out a number of studies that demonstrated the benefits of establishing FGR pre-clinical models.

Chief executive Martyn Williams said these developments will help the company to "accelerate the development of the EG013 programme towards the clinic".

He added: "They show the beneficial effect of adenoviral VEGF on the target tissue and the lack of adverse effect on the placenta."

The studies took place at University College London and the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.

Ark Therapeutics announced a major strategic restructuring of the business in September, when Iain Ross took over as the firm's executive chairman.