September 3, 2008 - First Clinical Trial Evaluating Aerosolized KL-4 Surfactant in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis - Discovery Laboratories, Inc. (NasdaqGM:DSCO) announces that its proprietary, aerosolized KL-4 surfactant has been selected for a Phase 2a clinical trial in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The trial is being conducted as an investigator-initiated study under the direction of Dr. Scott H. Donaldson at The University of North Carolina and is funded primarily through a grant provided by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.The trial is designed as a double-blind, randomized study to evaluate whether Discovery Labs' aerosolized KL-4 surfactant is safe and well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate CF lung disease. In addition, the short-term effectiveness of aerosolized KL-4 will be assessed. UNC's Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for this study was submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration and went into effect in May 2008. Patient enrollment is expected to begin this fall.
CF is characterized by a genetic mutation that produces thick, viscous mucus that is difficult to clear from the airways of the lung and typically leads to life-threatening respiratory infections. Preclinical and exploratory clinical studies suggest that therapeutic surfactants may improve lung function by loosening mucus and making it easier to clear... [PDF] Discovery Labs' Press Release -
