Amira Pharmaceuticals' LPA1 receptor antagonist program data published in British Journal of Pharmacology

May 7 2010

Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that preclinical data from its LPA1 receptor antagonist program has been published in the British Journal of Pharmacology.  

The LPA1 receptor is part of the Phosphatidic Acid/ Lysophosphatidylcholine pathway and has recently been implicated for having a role in lung, kidney and skin fibrosis.  In particular, activation of the LPA1 receptor may promote fibrosis in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a lung disease for which there are currently no effective treatments available.

"The data in this publication demonstrate the potential of a high affinity, oral antagonist of the LPA1 receptor in diseases associated with fibrosis, edema and inflammation," said James Swaney, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Amira and the senior author of the paper.   "Importantly, our proof of concept compound, AM966, demonstrates superior efficacy in a preclinical model when compared to other anti-inflammatory and/or anti-fibrotic agents including dexamethasone and pirfenidone.  We feel that these data pave the way for novel, 'first in class' molecules to target IPF and other fibrotic diseases via blockade of the LPA1 receptor."

Bob Baltera, Chief Executive Officer of Amira, added, "We are focused on developing LPA1 antagonists in fibrotic diseases.  Many of the potential indications address specialty care markets and give Amira the opportunity to bring a therapeutic product through to commercialization.  Grievous diseases such as IPF desperately need new therapies and the team at Amira is working hard to see these opportunities into the clinic as soon as possible."