Molecure S.A. has started the clinical trial where OATD-01 is being administered to patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis as part of a Phase II clinical trial (proof-of-concept in human). The world's first administration of the chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1) inhibitor (or placebo) to patient took place at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. As part of the trial, patients will take a daily fixed dose of 25 mg OATD-01 or placebo tablets for 12 weeks.

Patient safety will be monitored regularly through laboratory tests, neurological examinations and ECG and spirometry. The Phase II clinical trial for OATD-01 is designed as a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the oral CHIT1 inhibitor (OATD-01) in approximately 100 patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis, including patients both previously receiving other therapies and previously untreated. The study will involve approximately 20-30 centres in the US, the European Union, Norway and the UK.

The renowned CRO (Contract Research Organisation) Simbec Orion is responsible for the organization and comprehensive conduct of the study. Due to the double-blinding requirement of the study, publication of the final unblinded results will follow completion of the study and is anticipated by the end of 2025. For the efficacy trial, an innovative primary endpoint has been agreed with the FDA, namely the response to 12-week administration of OATD-01 as measured by the degree of reduction in granulomatous inflammation in the lung parenchyma, as assessed by PET/CT imaging.

After approximately 50 patients have completed their participation in the study, a sub-analysis (intermediate checkpoint) will be scheduled to statistically evaluate the results by an independent committee and decide how to proceed with the study in terms of the number of patients.