ATIPRIMOD

Introduction and Early Studies:

Atiprimod is one of a class of compounds known as azaspiranes, and was originally developed as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis based on encouraging data from a number of animal models of arthritis and autoimmune indications. The development of this drug originated with a partnership between AnorMed and SmithKline Beecham that led to the successful filing of an IND to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients. The drug successfully completed both single and multiple dose Phase I clinical trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Both trials evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of Atiprimod and showed that the drug is well tolerated. In addition, the drug was also shown to be well tolerated in a daily-dose extension study of up to one year performed with 43 patients from the first two studies.