Vascarta Begins NIH Phase 1 Clinical Study of Sickle Cell Disease Treatment
Vascarta's drug candidate VAS-101 is undergoing safety and tolerability evaluation in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Phase 1 clinical study involving sickle cell disease patients.
A Phase 1 clinical study for Vascarta's drug candidate, VAS-101, targeting sickle cell disease (SCD), has commenced. The company, based in Summit, New Jersey, announced on Tuesday the initiation of the study, which is being funded and conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The study aims to assess the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of VAS-101, a topical curcumin gel formulation, in individuals with sickle cell disease. This marks the second proof-of-concept Phase 1 trial for VAS-101 in the context of treating SCD-related ulcers.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder known for causing painful complications, including chronic leg ulcers. VAS-101, also referred to as Vasceptor, is formulated as a topical curcumin gel.
Previous research has indicated promising results for VAS-101 in wound healing. Vascarta anticipates the outcomes from this NIH-supported trial, which could inform the potential future use of VAS-101 for SCD patients.