ASX Health Stocks: Vectus jumps 13pc as new drug rocks in trials

Good news on a drug to tackle hypertension and fibrotic activity in the heart and kidneys has boosted Vectus Biosystems stocks by 13 per cent.

The news rocks for Vectus – maybe even this much – after a key drug showed no adverse effects in trials. Picture: Getty Images

Fibrosis and high blood pressure specialist Vectus Biosystems (ASX:VBS) rallied 13 per cent this morning, after announcing that its single ascending dose (SAD) Phase I study demonstrated no adverse events.

Vectus has been studying the effects of single and repeat doses of VB0004 on healthy volunteers, as well as on patients with mild to moderate hypertension, with low cardiovascular risk.

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The results of the 2mg, 10mg, 30mg, 100mg and 300mg doses of VB0004 have been reviewed by the Trial Safety Review Committee.

Of greatest significance, no adverse events have been observed at any of the five doses of VB0004 studied to date.

The Safety Committee also reviewed the outcomes for the first multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohort in which 10mg of VB0004 was administered daily for 14 days.

Again, no adverse events were detected.

The committee has now given permission for the second MAD cohort to proceed, with the first three participants already enrolled.

Vectus’ chairman, Dr Ron Shnier, said: “This is an exciting development in Vectus’ journey of validating an orally-dosable anti-fibrotic, which could not just slow down disease progression, but in fact, potentially provide clinical reversal of existing damage in a truly transformational agent.”

Emyria shows promising results on CBD capsule

Meanwhile, Emyria (ASX:EMD) says its proprietary ultra-pure CBD capsule, EMD-RX5, has demonstrated excellent bioavailability and dose delivery profile.

Specifically, the Phase 1 pharmacokinetic (PK) crossover study with Epidyolex (the only TGA and FDA registered CBD medicine), shows that EMD-RX5 produced no gastrointestinal upset or adverse events of concern at the test dose of 150mg.

The results also showed that EMD-RX5 has a more predictable and sustained drug release.

EMD-RX5 will now advance to the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials to support the TGA registration as an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for the symptoms of psychological distress.

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Other ASX healthcare announcements today

Cannabis stock Bod Australia (ASX:BOD) says that its study to assess the safety and efficacy of cannabigerol (CBG) dominant cannabis extract has been completed with promising results.

Bod says 74 per cent of trial participants reported a noticeable improvement in their conditions within two to four weeks of using MediCabilis CBG 50 twice a day.

“The study will allow Bod to explore the possibility of using its extract as an alternative treatment or all encompassing route for conditions that require a mix of surgery, medication and other routines,” commented Bod CEO, Jo Patterson.

Meanwhile, Wellfully (ASX:WFL) announced a new product, the SWISSWELL BOOST.

The company says that BOOST is the world’s first science-based universal applicator, designed to enhance the efficient delivery of diverse topical health products across many applications.

This includes inflammation and pain reduction, products that increase speed of recovery, and the delivery of specialised treatments for specific injuries such as wound care and skin conditions.

With BOOST, Wellfully says it’s tapping into a US$100+ billion market of topical drug delivery.

This content first appeared on stockhead.com.au

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