Celera Genomics Initiates Phase I Clinical Trial for Psoriasis Treatment

Celera Genomics, a business within Applera Corp., has begun a phase I clinical trial for its cathepsin S inhibitor, CRA-028129, aimed at treating psoriasis. The trial, held at the Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust in New Zealand, will involve approximately 70 healthy volunteers who will receive either CRA-028129 or a placebo. The study's objective is to determine the optimal dosage and pharmacokinetic effects of the inhibitor, potentially paving the way for its use in treating not only psoriasis but also other autoimmune diseases.

Key Takeaways:

• Celera Genomics has initiated a phase I clinical trial for CRA-028129, a cathepsin S inhibitor, to assess its efficacy in treating psoriasis.
• The trial will be conducted at the Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust in New Zealand, involving approximately 70 healthy volunteers.
• CRA-028129 has demonstrated potent and selective inhibitory activity against the cathepsin S enzyme, with inhibitory potency in the picomolar range.
• Celera Genomics is exploring the potential of CRA-028129 in treating other autoimmune diseases beyond psoriasis.
• The company has a pipeline of small-molecule therapeutic compounds, including a histone deacetylase inhibitor in a phase I cancer study.
• Celera Genomics is seeking partners to assist in capitalizing on its small-molecule capability and advancing its pipeline.
• The study has been approved by the New Zealand Director General of Health and an HRC-accredited ethics committee.

Statistics:

• Approximately 70 healthy volunteers will be enrolled in the phase I trial for CRA-028129.
• The trial will be conducted at a single center, the Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust in New Zealand.
• CRA-028129 has demonstrated picomolar inhibitory potency against the cathepsin S enzyme in preclinical research.
• Celera Genomics is developing multiple cathepsin S inhibitors from different chemical templates.

Sources:

• "Celera Genomics Announces Initiation of Phase I Clinical Testing for CRA-028129 for Treatment of Psoriasis"
• Copyright 2005, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com