Vectura confirms success for Parkinson’s programme

The Vectura Group has announced positive data for its product VR040 in the treatment of “off” episodes where patients with Parkinson’s disease experience periods of immobility.

The safety and efficacy of VR040 was under evaluation in the Phase II clinical study with 47 patients administered with doses of up to 3.2mg.

Study results demonstrated a successful outcome with a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of mean change in Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale III.

In addition, patients experienced a high restoration of mobility with 81 per cent of patients achieving responses highly similar to those achieved with their usual Levodopa dose.

Dr Chris Blackwell, chief executive of Vectura, indicated that the results confirmed the company’s original enthusiasm for VR040’s potential.

“VR040 represents a breakthrough in providing a rapid onset of action, which is also durable,” he added.

VR040 is Vectura’s proprietary formulation of apomorphine, delivered to the bloodstream by oral inhalation through the lungs using the company’s dry powder inhalation technology.

Vectura develops inhaled pharmaceuticals to treat respiratory, neurological and other diseases.