Dilaforette, Arabian Gulf University partner for clinical trial of sickle cell disease treatment

Swedish biotech company Dilaforette AB said Tuesday that it will partner with Arabian Gulf University (AGU) in Bahrain to conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial of sevuparin, a medication for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experiencing acute vaso-occlusive crisis.

Dilaforette, a Karolinska Development portfolio company, concentrates on newly developed treatments for those diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. Patients are currently being enrolled at several clinical locations in the Phase 2 proof of concept sevuparin study in the Middle East.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Arabian Gulf University on this important proof of concept Phase 2 study as we continue to develop sevuparin, which we firmly believe has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of SCD sufferers around the globe,” Dilaforette CEO Christina Herder said.

Sevuparin’s purpose is to normalize the reduced blood flow in efforts to treat vaso-occlusive crises in SCD patients. Dilaforette inked a co-development partnership with Ergomed to create sevuparin. The company then began the recruitment process in October into an international, randomized Phase 2 study to be performed in multiple centers in Europe and the Middle East. Researchers expect to release findings from the Phase 2 proof of concept trial with sevuparin in the second half of 2016.

AGU’s role in the collaborative clinical agreement is to provide $1.2 million in funding to conduct the study and help in the process of gaining patients. The study, in turn, contributes to expanding AGU’s abilities in clinical research as well as provides royalties on future revenues earned by the product to not exceed double the amount AGU provides to the Phase 2 project.

“Our collaboration with Dilaforette is a landmark moment for both parties,” AGU President Khalid bin Abdul Rahman Al-Ohaly said. “In a deal which is a positive step forward in the fight for treatment for this widespread genetic disorder, which affects around 250,000 - 350,000 patients in the Gulf Cooperation Council area alone. The collaboration also endorses AGU's position as an internationally recognized player in clinical research within the area of SCD.”