Pulmatrix, a biotechnology company developing new inhaled therapies to address pulmonary diseases through the company’s own clinically validated technology iSPERSE, recently announced that their lead investigational therapy for CF will be presented at a key, upcoming cystic fibrosis conference.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits one’s ability to breathe. A defective CFTR gene causes, among other medical conditions, a thick build up of mucus in the lungs that can clog the airways and trap bacteria and fungi in the region, leading to extensive lung damage. As a result, effective therapies that address bacterial and fungal infections are crucial for treating the disease.
iSPERSE is Pulmatrix’s patented drug development technology that consists of a dry powder of small, dense and easily dispersible particles that allow the delivery of macromolecules. Through this technology, Pulmatrix is developing a portfolio of therapeutic products to treat both rare and widespread diseases. The therapy will be presented at the 2015 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference by David L. Hava, Pulmatrix’s Chief Science Officer.
In his presentation, Mr. Hava will present recent data regarding itraconazole, the drug used in the development of PUR1900. According to Pulmatrix, itraconazole was an effective therapy in vitro against Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the main pathogens responsible for pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Moreover, the studies conducted by Pulmatrix demonstrated that PUR1900 enabled the accumulation of high lung concentrations of itraconazole and low systemic exposure after lung delivery in rats, highlighting the advantages of the inhaled delivery of the compound.
Details of the presentation are as follows:
Event: North American Cystic Fibrosis 2015 Conference
Date: October 8, 2015
Presentation Name: Pharmacokinetics and In Vitro Activity of Antifungal Drugs for Pulmonary Delivery
Time: 11:50 a.m. MST
Location: CDE Hall, North Building, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Link to Abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppul.23297/full – Poster #393
The new data for PUR1900 will be presented at the 29th edition of the Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, a scientific meeting for medical professionals in the field of cystic fibrosis research and care. The conference is sponsored by The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.