Shares in Pharmaxis Ltd soared by almost 11 per cent after the drugs developer said a second six-month dosing trial of Bronchitol in people with cystic fibrosis has achieved significant results.
Pharmaxis said that patients treated with Bronchitol in an international Phase III trial, conducted over two six-month phases, showed improved lung function.
"These results are very impressive and are of significant clinical relevance," Pharmaxis chief executive Dr Alan Robertson said in a statement on Wednesday.
"For cystic fibrosis patients, consistent loss of lung function, averaging 1-2 per cent per year is the leading cause of death.
"The improvements now shown with Bronchitol treatment over a 12-month period hold out the promise that, with longer usage, Bronchitol can change the course of cystic fibrosis."
Pharmaxis shares closed on Wednesday up 27 cents, or 10.85 per cent, at $2.76.
Pharmaxis said Bronchitol was the first dry-powder formulation to report results of this nature in patients with cystic fibrosis, and it offered convenience for patients who otherwise had to deal with complex daily treatment regimens.
The trial was conducted in 40 centres in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Pharmaxis said Bronchitol was designed to hydrate the airway surface of the lungs and promote normal lung mucus clearance.
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