Trials of a new drug developed in Australia for children with cystic fibrosis have shown to help improve their lung function.
Biotech Pharmaxis says Phase II trials of Bronchitol found that children and adolescent patients who were treated with the drug had statistically significant improvements in lung function.
The trial, involving 92 patients aged six to 17 years, was conducted in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Bronchitol is a form of mannitol (a sugar alcohol), delivered to the lungs by a specially designed, portable inhaler.
"These clinical trial results are very pleasing," chief executive Gary Phillips said on Wednesday.
"The positive results were seen in a group of patients with a range of genetic subtypes and reinforce the view that Bronchitol has a clear place in the treatment of cystic fibrosis."
Bronchitol is already approved for marketing for patients aged over six years in Australia and for patients older than 18 years throughout the European Union.
Based on the positive trial results, Pharmaxis is considering an application to extend the European Union marketing authorisation to include children and adolescents.
Pharmaxis shares closed two cents higher at 27 cents.
