Alteon starts ALT-711 Phase IIb

ALT began the U.S., dose-ranging Phase IIb SPECTRA trial of its ALT-711 to treat systolic hypertension in about 390 patients. Following a wash-out period, patients will receive one of three daily doses of ALT-711 (10, 50, or 150 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial is change from baseline in mean 24-hour systolic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after 12 weeks in patients with a systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mmHg. Secondary endpoints will include changes in diastolic, pulse and arterial pressures. ...