RCD405:New treatment paradigm for patients with COPD

Purpose and goal:

The overall aim is to develop a new inhalation treatment against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the 3rd most common cause of death worldwide. The drug candidate, RCD405, belongs to a new class of bronchodilators that also has anti-inflammatory properties. The project aims to specify the mechanism of action in order to better define the patient population and predict the clinical doses and thereby optimize the inhaled formulation to be administered to the patients.

Expected results and effects:

A dose-response relationship for both the airway relaxant and anti-inflammatory effect is expected to be established in relevant models. The inflammatory mediators that are primarily affected by RCD405 will be identified. The optimal blend of active substance (RCD405) and excipients needed, in order to administer RCD405, using the pre-selected inhaler will be defined within a range of possible clinical doses.

Approach and implementation:

The effect of RCD405 at different doses is studied after induced inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Samples are analysed to identify the impact on e.g. immune cells and possibly tissue effects and receptor binding. WP2: Mixtures with varying amounts of RCD405 and excipients are developed and tested in the disposable inhaler. WP3: The patient population is defined to gain a better understanding of the market potential while identifying future investors and partners.