Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:EPRX; TSX:EPRX) has announced that the top-tier, peer-reviewed journal, Lancet Rheumatology, has published Phase 2b data from its SPRINGBOARD trial evaluating EP-104IAR for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
The publication is titled, “Efficacy and safety of a novel extended-release fluticasone propionate intra-articular injection (EP-104IAR) in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, multi-centre, 24- week, Phase 2 trial (SPRINGBOARD)”.
“The publication of our Phase 2b data in a distinguished and respected journal such as Lancet Rheumatology raises the profile of EP-104IAR and further underscores the potential of this product candidate to become a best-in-class therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,” said Dr. James Helliwell, CEO of Eupraxia.
“As outlined in the publication, EP-104IAR imparts clinically significant and durable pain relief, while also having minimal changes in glucose and cortisol, along with stable fluticasone proportionate concentrations in plasma. We continue to evaluate multiple program advancement strategies for this exciting and highly differentiated Phase 3-ready clinical asset that we believe holds the potential to advance the standard of care for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis,” he added.
Philip Conaghan, professor of musculoskeletal medicine at the University of Leeds and author of the publication, commented, “By utilizing an advanced formulation technology, the improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of EP-104IAR appears to offer strong and sustainable pain relief and shows the potential to significantly improve upon the safety profile for this drug class. Based on the data from this Phase 2 study, I look forward to seeing this product candidate continue to advance into late-stage, pivotal testing.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that knee OA affects more than 30 million people in the U.S. alone.
