SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA I January 3, 2013 I Celtaxsys, Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, today announced the initiation of a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study of CTX-4430, which blocks the pro-inflammatory enzyme Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase (LTA4H).

“With first subjects dosed in our Phase 1 study of CTX-4430, Celtaxsys has achieved an important milestone,” said Michael Hanley, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Celtaxsys. “CTX-4430 is a first-in-class, once-daily oral treatment with exciting potential to alleviate inflammation associated with cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary conditions.”

The Phase 1 clinical trial CTX-4430-HV-001 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending and repeat dose study aimed at evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of CTX-4430 oral capsules. The trial is expected to enroll 96 subjects. Study results are expected in the first half of 2013, with the initiation of Phase 2 studies in the first line indication, Cystic Fibrosis, planned to start later in the year.

About CTX-4430

CTX-4430 is a clinical-stage drug candidate designed to treat a broad range of chronic inflammatory disorders including Cystic Fibrosis and serious pulmonary inflammatory diseases such as Systemic Sclerosis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. CTX-4430 works by inhibiting Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase (LTA4H), the major rate-limiting step in Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production. LTB4 stands out as an early chemoattractant mediator of many types of pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Orally administered, CTX-4430 has been shown to reduce LTB4 production and to improve clinical signs and symptoms of the inflammatory disease state. CTX-4430 has the potential to become a novel treatment that combines successfully with new and current therapies in pulmonary and other inflammatory disorders.

About Celtaxsys

Celtaxsys is a privately-held clinical stage drug discovery and development company focused on developing new treatments for inflammatory diseases by modulating innate immunity. The company is building a sustainable pipeline of first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action. For more information, please visit www.celtaxsys.com.

SOURCE: Celtaxsys