STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 27, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Biovitrum today announced the positive results of a phase IIa trial for its anti-obesity treatment BVT.933.
"We are delighted to have achieved Proof of Concept in our appetite suppressing compound BVT.933 in patients. We now look forward to the continued development of a product that has the significant potential for improving health and quality of life," commented Dr. Johan Koerdel, Head of Research at Biovitrum.
BVT.933 is a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist designed to suppress appetite. In a double-blind placebo-controlled phase IIa study, 154 obese but otherwise healthy patients were treated with either placebo or BVT.933 in two dose groups over four weeks. Patients in both dose groups receiving BVT.933 achieved a statistically significant and clinically relevant weight reduction compared to placebo. The study was performed without any diet restrictions or instructions regarding exercise or other lifestyle parameters.
In line with Biovitrum's overall strategy, the company seeks to establish co-development and license agreements with major pharmaceutical companies for the final development and commercialization of its drug candidates.
Biovitrum is a private Swedish biopharmaceutical company active within research and development of small molecule therapeutics and recombinant proteins. The research is focused on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, but also covers other selected therapeutic areas. ReFacto (a recombinant factor VIII treatment for hemophilia), acquired by American Home Products provides the company with substantial revenues from royalty, co-promotion and supply arrangements. A separate division of the company develops, produces and markets human-derived plasma products.
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