Algernon Pharmaceuticals Reports Additional Positive Data From its Phase 2 Study of Ifenprodil for IPF and Chronic Cough

Rhea-AI Summary

Algernon Pharmaceuticals reported enhanced results from its Phase 2a study of NP-120 (Ifenprodil) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic cough. The analysis revealed a 32.0% reduction in mean 24-hour cough counts after 4 weeks and a 39.5% reduction at 12 weeks. Similarly, awake cough counts dropped by 30.2% and 37.4% respectively. Dr. Jacky Smith lauded the results, emphasizing Ifenprodil's potential, especially in IPF patients where treatment has been challenging. CEO Christopher J. Moreau noted Ifenprodil's growing efficacy could mean greater results in chronic cough cases without IPF.

Positive

• Ifenprodil showed a 32.0% reduction in mean 24-hour cough counts at 4 weeks (p=0.023) and 39.5% at 12 weeks (p=0.001).
• Awake cough counts decreased by 30.2% at 4 weeks (p=0.038) and 37.4% at 12 weeks (p=0.002).
• Dr. Jacky Smith acknowledged Ifenprodil's notable effects in a difficult-to-treat IPF population.
• CEO expressed optimism for Ifenprodil's efficacy in treating chronic cough without IPF.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company” or “Algernon”) (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF) a clinical stage Canadian pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to announce additional results from its Phase 2a Study of NP-120 (“Ifenprodil”) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“IPF”) and chronic cough. After further review of the topline data, Ifenprodil was shown to be much more effective at reducing cough in patients than initially reported.

Additional review showed a significant improvement in mean objective 24-hour and waking cough counts after 4 and 12 weeks. The data came as the result of a statistical review by the Company’s lead scientific and medical advisor, Dr. Jacky Smith, a global expert on cough. The analysis showed that:

• The geometric mean 24-hour cough counts were reduced by 32.0% at 4 weeks (p = 0.023) and 39.5% at 12 weeks (p = 0.001) compared to baseline

• The geometric mean awake cough counts were reduced by 30.2% at 4 weeks (p = 0.038) and 37.4% at 12 weeks (p = 0.002) compared to baseline

Analysis of geometric means is preferred to arithmetic means when raw data is not normally distributed, and is the standard method employed in trials measuring objective cough counts, where data are heavily skewed.

“This additional analysis confirms my initial positive impression of the study,” said Dr. Jacky Smith, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, and an Honorary Consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. “The NMDA receptor has always been an interesting target for cough, but other agents have been poorly tolerated. To see effects of this magnitude in an IPF population, where other drugs have failed to demonstrate a benefit, is notable, and I look forward to seeing the Company’s full data set next month.”

“Ifenprodil’s potential as a potent cough treatment just increased,” said Christopher J. Moreau CEO of Algernon. “We have to remember that cough in IPF patients has been historically even more difficult to treat than stand-alone chronic cough. It is quite possible that Ifenprodil may show an even greater efficacy if tested directly in patients that only have chronic cough in the absence of IPF.”

About Ifenprodil

Ifenprodil is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist specifically targeting the NMDA-type subunit 2B (GluN2B), which prevents glutamate signalling. Ifenprodil represents a novel first in class treatment for both IPF and chronic cough.

About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

Algernon is a drug re-purposing company that investigates safe, already approved drugs for new disease applications, moving them efficiently and safely into new human trials, developing new formulations and seeking new regulatory approvals in global markets. Algernon specifically investigates compounds that have never been approved in the U.S. or Europe to avoid off label prescription writing.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher J. Moreau
CEO
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
604.398.4175 ext 701
info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com
investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com
www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

FAQ

What are the results of Algernon Pharmaceuticals' Phase 2a study for NP-120 (Ifenprodil)?

The study revealed a 32.0% reduction in mean 24-hour cough counts at 4 weeks and a 39.5% reduction at 12 weeks.

How does Ifenprodil perform in treating chronic cough related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

Ifenprodil demonstrated significant cough count reductions, indicating its potential effectiveness in IPF patients.

Who evaluated the results of Ifenprodil's study?

Dr. Jacky Smith, a global expert in cough, conducted the statistical review of the study's results.

What potential does Ifenprodil have for patients without IPF?

CEO Christopher J. Moreau suggested that Ifenprodil may show even greater efficacy in patients who experience chronic cough without IPF.

What type of drug is Ifenprodil?

Ifenprodil is an NMDA receptor antagonist targeting the NMDA-type subunit 2B (GluN2B) to treat IPF and chronic cough.