STOCKHOLM – August 20, 2019. Karolinska Development (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) announces today that its portfolio company Forendo Pharma has initiated dosing in a Phase 1b clinical study with the aim to demonstrate Proof of Mechanism for FOR-6219 – a drug candidate intended for the treatment of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects up to 10 per cent of women in reproductive age and causes repeated pain symptoms, infertility and impaired quality of life. Currently available treatments have limitations in efficacy or cause harmful side effects due to estrogen depletion. FOR-6219 is a HSD17B1 inhibitor aiming to reduce estrogen production locally in the endometriosis lesions.
In the Phase 1b study, FOR-6219 will be administered to healthy premenopausal women to explore its effect on the endometrium by measuring changes in endometrial thickness and endometrial estrogen levels. In addition to these local effects, systemic hormone levels will be measured. The study will also provide further safety and tolerability data.
“A positive outcome of this important Phase 1b study would further strengthen the hypothesis that Forendo Pharma’s lead drug candidate has potential to transform the treatment of endometriosis, based on its unique ability to selectively inhibit local estrogen production”, said Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development.
For further information, please contact:
Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com
TO THE EDITORS
About Karolinska Development AB
Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients' lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.
Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.
Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of ten companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.
The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.
For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com
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