(Sharecast News) - Sareum announced the start of a programme of toxicology studies on Thursday, for its lead TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor - SDC-1801 - marking a key step toward phase two clinical development.
The AIM-traded firm said the studies would assess general toxicity and potential drug interactions to meet regulatory requirements for longer-term dosing.

It said the phase two programme was expected to focus initially on psoriasis, and followed a successful phase one trial in healthy volunteers that demonstrated a favourable safety and pharmacokinetic profile.

Sareum said the toxicology work, being conducted at a contract research organisation, was scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter, alongside ongoing manufacturing and formulation optimisation.

"We are pleased to have initiated this important package of toxicology studies for SDC-1801, which represents a significant milestone in the regulatory pathway towards phase two trials," said executive chairman Dr Stephen Parker.

"This progress reflects the encouraging data generated in our phase one trial and our confidence in the potential of SDC-1801 as a differentiated treatment for autoimmune diseases.

"We look forward to providing further updates as we continue to advance this promising candidate."

At 1404 BST, shares in Sareum Holdings were down 6.67% at 14p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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