First compound of Genkyotex enters clinical trials

GenKyoTex, the leading developer of NOX inhibitors to treat oxygen-radical mediated diseases, announced today that a Phase I study has been initiated with GKT137831, a first in class dual inhibitor of NOX1 and NOX4 enzymes. GKT137831 is being developed for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

The Phase I study initially involves the oral administration of single ascending doses of GKT137831 to 36 healthy volunteers. This will be followed by a multiple ascending dose study where GKT137831 will be administered orally for 10 consecutive days.

“We have started dosing healthy volunteers with this first in class drug and to date GKT137831 has been well tolerated,” stated Dr. Philippe Wiesel, Chief Medical Officer of GenKyoTex. “With its dual mode of action targeting NOX1 and 4, GKT137831 offers a promising new approach to the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. We aim to start Phase II studies in diabetic nephropathy before the end of 2012, once Phase I is successfully completed.”

‘’Initiating clinical studies with GKT137831 marks an important milestone for GenKyoTex and for the development of this novel therapeutic approach,’’ commented CEO Ursula Ney.

Genkyotex was founded in 2006 and awarded with the CTI Startup Label in 2007. Earlier this year the company closed a CHF 18 million Series C financing round.