The Antisense Therapeutics has stopped its ATL1102 Phase 2a trial and decided to convene an advisory group to consider the potential development paths for ATL1102 which may include restarting a Phase 2 trial programme.

This move has come in the wake of the recent withdrawal of the multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Tysabri (antibody to VLA-4) by Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation based on reports of two cases of a serious (fatal) disease that occurred following treatment with Tysabri in combination with Avonex (Interferon beta-1a).

A company release says, while Antisense Therapeutics' product is different from Tysabri and is being trialled as a single agent, not in combination with other drugs, the relevance of the Tysabri issue to Antisense Therapeutics is that ATL1102 is designed to target the same immune system protein (VLA-4) as Tysabri. In assessing the impact of these events on the ongoing ATL1102 trial, the Company has been in consultation with its trial investigators and other appropriate advisors.

The Company will be reviewing its overall product development strategy which includes the prospect of advancing its product pipeline - ATL1103 for growth and sight disorders and ATL1102 as an inhaled asthma treatment.
The Company would also like to take this opportunity to advise its shareholders that its lead psoriasis project, ATL1101, continues on track having commenced dosing of patients in the proof of concept clinical trial underway at Royal Adelaide Hospital, the release added.

Antisense Therapeutics Limited is an Australian publicly listed biopharmaceutical drug discovery and development company. Its two most advanced projects target Multiple Sclerosis (ATL1102), and Psoriasis (ATL1101).