(Alliance News) - Evgen Pharma PLC on Wednesday said it completed the dosing of all three cohorts of the phase 1/1b clinical trial of its SFX-01 tablet formulation.

The Cheshire, England-based clinical stage drug development company focusing on sulforaphane-based medicines said the study aims to provide further insight into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of SFX-01, its lead asset.

This is alongside investigating how sulforaphane released from SFX-01 engages with molecular targets of interest.

The dosing was completed in a dose-escalating and randomised trial, with each of the three cohorts comprising eight healthy volunteers dosed with either SFX-01 or placebo.

Dosing completion was on schedule and analysis of the data is ongoing, with Evgen Pharma looking to report full data in the second quarter of the year, as previously indicated.

It said the new enteric-coated tablet formulation of SFX-01 will replace the previous prototype capsule formulation, releasing sulforaphane to a targeted part of the intestine, with the goals of predicable release and minimisation of gastrointestinal side effects.

If the new formulation as expected, it will be suitable for large scale trials and commercial supply, Evgen Pharma said.

"Our study has been proceeding exactly to plan, and data will be available in the second quarter this year, as expected," said Chief Executive Officer Huw Jones.

"We anticipate that it will confirm improved delivery of SFX-01 with our new formulation. In addition, it will demonstrate further how sulforaphane engages with key molecular targets as we expand into new indications in oncology and neurodevelopmental disorders."

SFX-01 could be used to treat schizophrenia if studies infer it as an option.

Shares in Evgen Pharma were up 4.2% to 4.69 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News reporter

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