Anti-Fibrotic Data from Amira Pharmaceuticals' LPA1 Receptor Antagonist Program Published in the British Journal of Pharmacology
SAN DIEGO, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
announced today that preclinical data from its LPA1 receptor
antagonist program has been published in the British Journal of
Pharmacology.
The LPA1 receptor is part of the Phosphatidic Acid/
Lysophosphatidylcholine pathway and has recently been implicated
for having a role in lung, kidney and skin fibrosis. In particular,
activation of the LPA1 receptor may promote fibrosis in Idiopathic
Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a lung disease for which there are
currently no effective treatments available.
"The data in this publication demonstrate the potential of a
high affinity, oral antagonist of the LPA1 receptor in diseases
associated with fibrosis, edema and inflammation," said James
Swaney, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Amira and the senior author of
the paper. "Importantly, our proof of concept compound, AM966,
demonstrates superior efficacy in a preclinical model when compared
to other anti-inflammatory and/or anti-fibrotic agents including
dexamethasone and pirfenidone. We feel that these data pave the way
for novel, 'first in class' molecules to target IPF and other
fibrotic diseases via blockade of the LPA1 receptor."
Bob Baltera, Chief Executive Officer of Amira, added, "We are
focused on developing LPA1 antagonists in fibrotic diseases. Many
of the potential indications address specialty care markets and
give Amira the opportunity to bring a therapeutic product through
to commercialization. Grievous diseases such as IPF desperately
need new therapies and the team at Amira is working hard to see
these opportunities into the clinic as soon as possible."
About Amira
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Diego, Amira
Pharmaceuticals is a small molecule pharmaceutical company focused
on the discovery and early development of new drugs to treat
inflammatory disease. Our discovery team is building on
unparalleled insights into bioactive lipid pathways and complex
signaling processes controlling many conditions including asthma,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular and fibrotic
diseases. Amira has a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline for the
development of FLAP (5-lipoxygenase activating protein) inhibitors
in respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Amira combines the rigor of a big pharmaceutical company with
the ingenuity and energy of a small company, creating an
environment for efficient development of novel compounds and
effective pre-clinical and clinical program decisions. Its
scientific founders have successfully worked together for more than
a decade and were pivotal in the discovery of a number of
inflammatory drugs, including Singulair®. The drug hunters at
Amira are now actively leveraging their history of success to
create high-value compounds for the future. For more information,
visit www.amirapharm.com.
Source: Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CONTACT: Ian Stone of Russo Partners, +1-619-528-2220,
ian.stone@russopartnersllc.com,
for Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.amirapharm.com/
Posted: May 2010
