Welichem Biotech Inc. (the "Company") (TSX-V: WBI) announces the filing with Health Canada of a clinical trial application for its lead, anti-inflammatory drug WBI-1001. The application is for a 3-month, double blinded clinical trial in patients with chronic atopic dermatitis at three trial centres. This filing is a direct result of the successful completion of the long-term, IND-enabling toxicology studies announced April, 2009. Results of these long-term toxicology studies support additional, longer term clinical trials of WBI-1001.
"We are very encouraged by the data on this non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug candidate," said Dr. Genhui Chen, Chief Executive Officer. "This application is a significant step forward in our drug development program." Subject to regulatory approval of this application, Welichem plans to initiate the clinical studies in Canada in the Fall of 2009.
As it builds on the successfully completed clinical trials and safety studies of WBI-1001 Welichem's plans for the international phase II/III clinical program are now progressing well.