Poolbeg Pharma Shares Rallied 12.5% on Positive Initial Trial Data

The Poolbeg Pharma PLC (LON: POLB) share price rallied 12.5% after announcing positive results from the initial data analysis from its LPS human challenge trial, which is testing the effectiveness of its POLB 001 drug candidate.

POLB 001 is a viral strain agnostic, small molecule immunomodulator drug being developed by the firm as a treatment option for severe influenza, given the significant unmet need for a proper treatment tailored to this advanced form of influenza.

Poolbeg Pharma noted that despite the full data read-out being expected in Q2 2023, initial data analysis showed positive results. POLB 001 was well tolerated across all doses, with participants not reporting any serious adverse events or voluntarily withdrawing from the program. 

In addition, data from the just-completed human challenge trial indicated that patients with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) taking POLB001 had a marked reduction in systemic and localised inflammatory response compared to those on a placebo. 

The LPS human challenge trial was designed to test the impact of POLB 001 on inflammatory responses in 36 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 years after an intravenous and intradermal LPS challenge.

LPS replaces the hyperinflammatory response associated with severe influenza and other diseases.

Jeremy Skillington, Poolbeg Pharma’s CEO, said: “Following the completion of the LPS human challenge trial in December, we are excited to see this positive initial data of POLB 001. The clear anti-inflammatory dose response, with no serious adverse events, further demonstrates the strong potential for POLB 001 to address the significant unmet medical need in severe influenza and beyond. We look forward to presenting the full data in Q2 2023.”

Adding: 

“We are delighted to have completed our first clinical trial on schedule, delivering on our business model of rapidly generating early human clinical data. We believe the positive initial data is a significant value inflection point and will support discussions with partners.”

The positive reaction from investors was warranted as the initial data indicates that the challenge trial was successful. However, we have to wait for the in-depth data analysis to be completed to determine the full impact of the trial. 

*This is not investment advice. 

Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) share price.

The Poolbeg Pharma share price rallied 12.5% to trade at 8.10p, from Friday’s closing price of 7.20p.