DeCODE genetics has announced positive results from its preliminary Phase II clinical trial of Cephalon's CEP-1347 in asthma. DeCODE conducted the trial under a research collaboration and licensing agreement with Cephalon.

The trial was based upon deCODE's discovery of variants in the gene encoding the MAP3K9 kinase as risk factors for the development of asthma. The MAP3K9 kinase acts within a pathway targeted by CEP-1347. The results of this trial show that CEP-1347 can positively affect this pathway in a safe and well-tolerated manner, the company revealed.