Savara Pharmaceuticals has announced top-line data from a Phase 1a study of its AeroVanc vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in cystic fibrosis patients. According to the company, the study, which compared single ascending doses of AeroVanc with intravenous vancomycin in healthy volunteers, demonstrated “a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with slow systemic absorption from the lungs, suggesting prolonged residence of the drug in the lung, the site of anti-MRSA action” and was well tolerated.
“Respiratory MRSA infections are a growing concern for CF patients. Recent published evidence suggests that MRSA accelerates the decline in pulmonary function and shortens the life expectancy of CF patients. While inhaled antibiotics have been successfully used to control Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in CF patients, there is no inhaled treatment available for MRSA infections. We are very interested in AeroVanc development, and hopeful AeroVanc will be a new treatment option for respiratory MRSA in CF patients,” commented Cystic Fibrosis Foundation VP of Clinical Affairs, Bruce C. Marshall.
Savara is also developing AeroVanc for non-CF bronchiectasis. The dry powder formulation is delivered using a capsule-based inhaler.
Read the Savara press release.
