Chiesi and Oak Hill Lead Premature Birth Study in Europe

In a significant leap for neonatal care, Chiesi Group and Oak Hill Bio have commenced a pivotal phase 2b study in Europe, enrolling their first patient to evaluate OHB-607. This trial aims to address the pressing medical challenge posed by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other complications faced by infants born extremely prematurely. With no current therapies available for BPD, this initiative by the two companies marks a potentially transformative shift in neonatal healthcare.

BPD impacts up to 50% of infants born before 28 weeks of gestation, presenting a critical need for new therapeutic approaches. OHB-607, a recombinant form of IGF-1 crucial for organ development, will be tested against standard neonatal care methods. Recent research highlights a correlation between low IGF-1 levels in extremely premature infants and increased BPD risks, emphasising the potential impact of OHB-607. The study, re-launched in the US in May, will now include at least 105 infants across Europe, providing continuous intravenous infusion of the drug alongside conventional care.

The expansion of this trial into Europe underscores a collaborative commitment between Chiesi and Oak Hill Bio to revolutionise treatment options for vulnerable preterm infants. With encouraging results from earlier phases, this study’s advancements could pave the way for new neonatal therapies, offering hope for families and healthcare professionals managing premature births.