Resolution peptide ends phase-I tests

A new peptide-based radiopharmaceutical for detecting inflammatorydisease that is under development by Resolution Pharmaceuticalshas finished phase-I clinical testing, the company reported lastmonth. The technetium-labeled agent, RP128, performed as expectedin tests conducted at the Free University of Brussels in Belgium,according to John Thornback, general manager of Mississauga, Ontario-basedResolution.

The company plans to begin phase-II clinical tests in the firstquarter to compare the performance of RP128 against other proceduresfor diagnosing inflammation. It also hopes to determine whichtypes of inflammatory disease the agent is most suited for, Thornbacksaid.

Resolution Pharmaceuticals is a joint venture between AllelixBiopharmaceuticals and Canadian radiopharmaceutical company NordionInternational. It began operations in 1993 and RP128 is its leadproduct, with other peptide-based imaging agents under development.The firm is planning a private stock placement shortly, Thornbacksaid.