Speedel renal, cardiovascular news

SPPN will focus its pipeline on avosentan (SPP301) to treat diabetic nephropathy and its next-generation renin inhibitors and will no longer develop pegmusirudin ( SPP200) on its own. The company will begin a dose-finding Phase IIb trial of avosentan in 2008, with data expected in 2009. Last year, SPPN halted the Phase III ASCEND trial of the endothelin A receptor antagonist because of a higher incidence of edema in patients receiving the compound than in those receiving placebo. Initial results from an ongoing fluid retention study in human volunteers suggests the fluid retention does not have a cardiac origin but rather is principally due to salt and water retention by the kidney. Avosentan, which was in-licensed from Roche (SWX:ROG; Basel, Switzerland) in 2000, has FDA Fast Track designation in the indication.

SPPN's next-generation renin inhibitors include SPP635, which is in Phase IIa testing to treat hypertension. The company's first renin inhibitor, Tekturna/ Rasilez aliskiren, is marketed for the indication by partner Novartis AG (NVS; SWX:NOVN, Basel, Switzerland). ...