ReveraGen BioPharma Begins Phase 1 Clinical Trial Of VBP15 For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

ReveraGen BioPharma recently announced the start of a Phase 1 clinical trial of a new disassociate steroidal drug called VBP15, indicated to address Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recruitment for the trial is currently underway, and the initial doses have already been administered in the first volunteers.

“Glucocorticoids are a mainstay of therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but the side effect profiles detract from patient quality of life, and VBP15 promises to retain or increase efficacy while reducing side effect profiles,” stated the ReveraGen BioPharma’s CEO, Eric Hoffman in a press release.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonprofit health agency committed to helping those who suffer from life-altering, fatal diseases such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other types of muscle diseases.

MDA’s representative Valerie A. Cwik said: “MDA is funding research projects worldwide to help move discoveries from the science lab to families. We look for research that not only works to find treatments and cures, but that also improves the quality of life for those fighting muscle diseases. The goal of funding development of VBP15 is to find a drug that provides the benefits of currently available glucocorticoids, but that doesn’t cause the negative side effects associated with these medications.”

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“We are delighted to be supporting the development of VBP15 and would like to thank the team behind it. The possibility of developing a drug that has the potential to be used instead of glucocorticoids with at least the same benefits, but less side effects is incredibly exciting and we hope that efforts for developing this drug will move forward as swiftly as possible,” noted Ronald Cohn, from the Duchenne Research Fund.

The Phase 1 trial is financed by four non-profit foundations: the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Joining Jack, Duchenne Children’s Trust and DRF. The support dedicated to VBP15’s drug development program was also provided by the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne, Save Our Sons and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.

This Phase 1 study, which is the first to be conducted in humans, will assess the tolerability, safety and pharmacokinetics of VBP15 in healthy adult volunteers.