Biotech: Pesky pimple-like rosacea to get Botanix's Permetrex treatment in early study

Botanix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:BOT) will try out its Permetrex drug delivery system in inflammatory rosacea patients after receiving ethics approval for a phase Ib study of two BTX 1702 formulations in its pipeline.

The early-stage clinical study will target the pesky problem of papulopustular rosacea, a pimple-like rosacea that inflames skins that often affects women aged over 30 years old.

One hundred and twenty patients will be enrolled in the randomised, double blind, vehicle-controlled study across six dermatology clinics in Australia.

Respected dermatologist and thought leader Dr Kurt Gebauer welcomed the study, arguing “moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea patients are greatly in need of new therapies to treat the signs and symptoms of the disease which has such a tremendous emotional impact.

“BTX 1702 offers a novel potential option for papulopustular rosacea with a unique mechanism of action which could target several aspects in the pathogenesis of the disease, and we are very excited to be participating in this clinical study.”

Perth and Philadelphia-based Botanix is expediting its BTX 1702 based on results from a phase II acne study that showed synthetic cannabidiol exerts powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions in skin.

The actions can also be important in rosacea, meaning the therapeutic could potentially be used to successfully and safely treat the condition.

Botanix executive chairman and president Vince Ippolito told the market final preparations were underway for the phase Ib study and the company expected to enrol first patients early next year after a summer break.

Two active formulations of BTX 1702 that use Botanix partner Purisys’ synthetic cannabidiol product will be used in the Permetrex drug-delivery system during the study.

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