Zealand Pharma kicks off dosing patients in testing SBS potential treatment

Zealand Pharma has dosed the first out of 64 healthy patients, in a Phase 1 clinical test of ZP7570 as a potential first-in-class next generation treatment of short bowel syndrome (SBS).

The company informed in the press release on Wednesday that the study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose trial in 64 healthy subjects, randomized to ZP7570 or placebo within eight cohorts.

Describing ZP7570, Zealand Pharma said it’s a long-acting, dual GLP-1/GLP-2 peptide therapeutic, is designed to further improve management of SBS and may represent a next level of innovation for helping SBS patients to further realize full potential for intestinal rehabilitation. GLP-2 primarily increases the absorptive capacity of the intestine, whereas GLP-1 is believed to act by reducing gastrointestinal motility, thereby allowing more time for the fluids and nutrition to be absorbed. The properties of ZP7570 may also allow for therapeutic opportunities in other gastrointestinal diseases.

Adam Steensberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Development Officer at Zealand Pharma, said: “Initiation of this Phase 1 clinical trial with ZP7570, a dual- GLP-1/GLP-2 acting peptide, marks yet another important milestone in our efforts to bring innovative therapeutics to patients living with SBS.”