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Vectura Group says positive interim results for Parkinson's disease drug
LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Vectura Group has announced positive results for an interim study of its VR040 drug, a product designed to treat periods of complete or partial immobility in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The product, a new formulation of apomorphine that can be inhaled, has been granted orphan status by European authorities as it can treat patients who do not respond to oral dosing.

The orphan status means it has 10 years of potential market exclusivity when approved in the EU, and the company will get assistance in preparing the marketing application.

Vectura says its formulation may reduce side-effects that are associated with oral delivery of apomorphine as it can be administered at much smaller doses.

Chris Blackwell, chief executive of Vectura, said: 'The results of this study confirm our original enthusiasm for VR040's potential. VR040 represents a breakthrough in providing a rapid onset of action, which is also durable.'

The Phase II study showed a significant improvement in the patients' conditions, rapid action, and an effect lasting on average 75 minutes.

In the study, five of 32 patients reported a total of seven treatment-related side-effects, none of which were classified as serious or severe.

The company said the next stage was to determine the best dose for use of the product by patients at home. ben.deighton@thomson.com bsd/sal
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(I am always shocked to find the most current news source appears in the financial section. Must get over that reaction)