European Commission Awards EUR5.9m to Opsona Therapeutics for Clinical Development of Lead Drug Candidate OPN-305
DUBLIN, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Opsona Therapeutics, a drug development company focused on novel therapeutic approaches to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases announced that it will receive EUR5.9million, one of the largest grants ever awarded by the European Union FP7 Health, Program, to lead a European consortium of research and clinical groups (MABSOT*) in the advancement of clinical trials for its lead drug candidate OPN-305 in solid organ transplantation. The specific focus of the trial will be on Delayed Graft Function (DGF), a serious complication of the immediate postoperative period in renal transplantation. A phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers is due to start this summer. Following successful completion of the Phase 1 trial this year, the consortium plans to conduct a prospective randomised placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in the prevention of DGF to be initiated in 2012.
Notes to Editors:
*Monoclonal Antibody Solid Organ Transplantation - http://www.MABSOT.com
(Appointments) Opsona Therapeutics announced this week that it has appointed Leon Hooftman, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr Hooftman recently served as CMO at Chroma Therapeutics (UK). He was previously Head of Clinical Development at Celltech (U.K.). He worked with Hoffmann La-Roche and Syntex also. Opsona Therapeutics also announced this week that CEO Dr. Mark Heffernan has stepped down for personal reasons but will remain as a non-Executive Board member. Bernd Seizinger, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed Executive Chairman. Dr. Seizinger will oversee the CEO search and assume additional responsibilities for the Company's operations during this period. http://www.opsona.com.
For further information - Niamh Lyons for Opsona Therapeutics - +353-1-6633602
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