LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Clinical-stage drug developer Evgen Pharma has dosed the first group of healthy volunteers in its placebo-controlled, dose-escalating, randomised phase 1 and 1b clinical trial, it announced on Wednesday.
The AIM-traded firm said the study aimed to provide further insight into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the new enteric-coated tablet formulation of SFX-01, as well as investigating how sulforaphane released from SFX-01 engaged with key molecular targets of interest.

It said the new enteric-coated tablet formulation would replace the prototype formulation, which used manually-filled capsules.

Evgen said it releases sulforaphane to a targeted part of the intestine, with the goals of predictable release and minimisation of gastro-intestinal side effects.

The new formulation, if it performs as expected, would be suitable for large-scale trials and commercial supply.

"This first dosing, on schedule, marks an important further step in our development plan for SFX-01," said chief executive officer Dr Huw Jones.

"We believe it will confirm the improved delivery of SFX-01 through our new formulation.

"In addition, we will gain further insights into how the asset engages with key molecular targets of interest as Evgen expands into new indications in oncology and neurodevelopmental disorders."

At 1340 GMT, shares in Evgen Pharma were down 0.56% at 5.32p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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