First Wave BioPharma Announces Second Patient Dosed in Phase 2 SPAN Clinical Trial of Enhanced Adrulipase Formulation in Cystic Fibrosis

Rhea-AI Summary

First Wave BioPharma (NASDAQ: FWBI) has dosed its second patient in the Phase 2 SPAN clinical trial for adrulipase, targeting exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The trial, spanning three U.S. sites, aims to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy through a dose-escalation strategy involving 12 participants. Primary outcomes will focus on the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA). Topline data is expected by mid-2023, reflecting a growing enthusiasm among CF patients for newer therapeutic options. This innovative treatment promises to reduce the reliance on conventional porcine-derived enzyme replacements.

Positive

• Second patient dosed in Phase 2 SPAN trial, indicating progress in clinical study.
• Expected topline data by mid-2023 could provide significant insights into treatment efficacy.
• Increased patient enrollment enthusiasm, suggesting a strong potential market for adrulipase.

Negative

• None.

Three U.S. clinical trial sites actively screening and enrolling patients; Topline data expected by mid-2023

BOCA RATON, Fla., March 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Wave BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:FWBI) (“First Wave BioPharma” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of targeted, non-systemic therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, announced that the second patient was dosed in the Phase 2 SPAN clinical trial investigating an enhanced enteric microgranule delivery formulation of adrulipase for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The three U.S. clinical trial sites participating in the trial are now actively screening and enrolling patients.

The Phase 2 multi-center clinical trial (NCT05719311) is designed to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of an enteric microgranule delivery formulation for adrulipase in a titrated dose-escalation study involving an estimated twelve (12) patients. The primary efficacy endpoint is the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), with secondary endpoints of stool weight, signs and symptoms of malabsorption and coefficient of nitrogen absorption (CNA). Topline results from the study are anticipated by mid-2023.

“Early indications from our investigators suggest there is an enthusiasm among CF patients about the opportunity to participate in the Phase 2 SPAN clinical trial given the need for improved therapeutic options to treat their EPI,” said James Sapirstein, President and CEO of First Wave BioPharma. “We are encouraged by the current pace of enrollment and continue to target a topline data readout from the Phase 2 SPAN trial by mid-2023, which we hope will be a first step towards providing patients with a safe and effective therapy that allows individuals with CF to gain control over EPI, while diminishing the daily pill burden required with porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).”

Phase 2 SPAN Trial Design
The Phase 2b SPAN trial is designed to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a new enteric microgranulation formulation of adrulipase. The SPAN trial is an open-label study that will be conducted at three sites in the U.S. A total of 12 cystic fibrosis patients, 18 years or older are expected to be enrolled. The trial design employs a dose titration strategy. Patients will be screened at baseline to ensure that they have a coefficient of fat absorption (CFA) of at least 80%. Eligible patients will then be switched from their commercial enzyme product to adrulipase. Each patient will be started on a low dose of adrulipase. If the patient is not clinically controlled, the patient will be switched to a medium dose, and if not controlled on this dose, the patient will be advanced to a high dose. The titrations will be carried out over a three-week period, after which a CFA will be obtained. End-of-study CFAs will be compared to the baseline CFAs in a descriptive fashion. A post-treatment safety visit will be conducted one week after completing the treatment period.

About Adrulipase 
Adrulipase is a recombinant lipase enzyme administered as an oral, non-systemic biologic capsule for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Adrulipase is derived from the Yarrowia lipolytica yeast lipase and is designed to break up fat molecules in the digestive tract of EPI patients so that they can be absorbed as nutrients. EPI is a condition characterized by deficiency of the exocrine pancreatic enzymes, resulting in a patient’s inability to digest food properly, or maldigestion. The deficiency in this enzyme can be responsible for greasy diarrhea, fecal urge and weight loss. There are more than 30,000 patients in the U.S. with EPI caused by cystic fibrosis according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and approximately 90,000 patients in the U.S. with EPI caused by chronic pancreatitis according to the National Pancreas Foundation.

About First Wave BioPharma, Inc.
First Wave BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of targeted, non-systemic therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple clinical stage programs built around its two proprietary technologies – the biologic adrulipase, a recombinant lipase enzyme designed to enable the digestion of fats and other nutrients, and niclosamide, an oral small molecule with anti-inflammatory properties. First Wave is advancing two Phase 2 clinical programs built around adrulipase for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (FW-EPI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). In developing adrulipase, First Wave is seeking to provide CF and CP patients with a safe and effective therapy to control EPI that is non-animal derived and offers the potential to dramatically reduce their daily pill burden. The company is also advancing multiple programs involving niclosamide, including FW-UP for ulcerative proctitis and ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, FW-UC for ulcerative colitis, and FW-CD for Crohn’s disease. First Wave BioPharma is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information visit www.firstwavebio.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results which are forward-looking statements. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements, depending on factors including whether results obtained in preclinical and nonclinical studies and clinical trials will be indicative of results obtained in future clinical trials; whether preliminary or interim results from a clinical trial will be indicative of the final results of the trial; whether the Company will be able to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing criteria and the effect of a delisting from Nasdaq on the market for the Company’s securities; the size of the potential markets for the Company’s drug candidates and its ability to service those markets; the effects of the First Wave Bio, Inc. acquisition, the related settlement and their effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial prospects; and the Company’s current and future capital requirements and its ability to raise additional funds to satisfy its capital needs. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including a discussion of factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 under the heading “Risk Factors,” as well as the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which we hereafter become aware.

For more information:
First Wave BioPharma, Inc.
777 Yamato Road, Suite 502
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 589-7020
info@firstwavebio.com

Media contact:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
David Schemelia
(609) 468-9325
dschemelia@tiberend.com

Bill Borden
(732) 910-1620
bborden@tiberend.com

FAQ

What is the Phase 2 SPAN clinical trial for FWBI?

The Phase 2 SPAN trial investigates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of adrulipase for treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis patients.

What are the expected outcomes of the Phase 2 SPAN trial?

The primary outcome is the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), with secondary endpoints including stool weight and symptoms of malabsorption.

When can we expect topline data from the SPAN trial?

Topline data from the Phase 2 SPAN trial is anticipated by mid-2023.

What condition does adrulipase aim to treat?

Adrulipase is designed to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis.