Neurogen Starts Anti-Inflammatory Receptor Blocker Study
BRANFORD, Conn. -- Neurogen Corp. (NRGN) began Phase 1 studies of a drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
The study will assess the safety of escalating single doses of NGD 2000-1, an oral drug that blocks the activity of the C5a protein at its receptor. The protein, part of the human immune system, is believed to trigger inflammation and tissue destruction when it is overactive and to play a role in asthma and tissue damage associated with heart attack.
The study is taking place in the U.S. on healthy volunteers as part of an investigational new drug application with the Food and Drug Administration.
Company representatives weren't immediately available for further information.
In a press release Monday, Neurogen said it believes that it is the first company to discover and test an orally active C5a receptor blocker in humans.
Shares of Neurogen recently traded at $14.97, up $1.42, or 10.5%, on Nasdaq volume of 8,900 shares. Average volume is 70,856 shares. The stock set a 52-week low of $13 Friday, down from its 52-week high of $39.75 set Dec. 11. |
