ISRAEL'S PREDIX REPORTS PAH STUDY DATA

Israel-based Predix Pharmaceuticals has completed a Phase Ib clinical study of PRX-08066, a drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), in 15 adults. The study subjects -- all athletic -- were conditioned to exercise at high altitudes, with elevated pulmonary artery pressure induced by low oxygen levels (hypoxia). Preliminary results from the trial indicated that treatment with PRX-08066 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in systolic pulmonary blood pressure during exercise hypoxia, the company reported.

Because of their conditioning at high altitudes, the study volunteers are more able to tolerate increases in pulmonary pressures when challenged with inhalation of hypoxic gas mixtures. Preliminary results showed that a reduction in the systolic pulmonary blood pressure during resting hypoxia and during exercise hypoxia was observed with PRX-08066 treatment, at a dose level of 200 mg given orally twice daily.