Pfizer-funded phase I study of RTP-810i initiated

SR Pharma has announced the initiation of a phase I clinical study by Quark Biotech of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic compound RYP-801i, funded by Pfizer. Pfizer in-licensed this compound as a treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a deal announced last September.

RTP-801i is based on proprietary siRNA technology from subsidiary of SR Pharma, Autgen and has been licensed to Quark Biotech for the treatment of diseases including AMD.

Iain Ross, chairman of SR Pharma, said: “We are excited about the AMD clinical trial commencing as it marks the first clinical study with one of our AtuRNAi molecules.”

He added that the progress of RTP-801i confirmed the strength of the company’s siRNA technology and would result in an additional $1.5 million (0.76 million pounds) to the company, coming after a previous $2 million paid in 2006.

The company noted that its ability to manufacture such particles would enable it to offer its collaboration partners, such as Pfizer, access to stabilised siRNA molecules for use against a number of targets, while also providing molecules for its own development programmes.

Last September, Pfizer announced that it had signed an agreement with Quark Biotech, whereby Pfizer would acquire a worldwide license human gene RTP-801 and molecules that alter its function.