United States-based Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq: ARNA) has revealed positive top-line data from a Phase one clinical study assessing controlled-release delivery profiles for its investigational agent, etrasimod, a highly selective, once-daily, oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, it was reported on Wednesday.

The study has revealed that controlled-release delivery profiles have indicated a greater than 75% decrease in the average heart rate effect of etrasimod during its four-hour monitoring period, with heart rate decreasing by only low single digits from baseline with no titration. At additional measurements over 24 hours, the etrasimod CR heart rate effect was decreased or similar compared to etrasimod. The rate of change in heart rate was decreased greater than 50% with etrasimod controlled-release delivery profiles delivery.

Based on these results, the company will enter into a product development program to rapidly develop etrasimod CR and integrate it into multiple, ongoing clinical development programs. Additionally, a recently filed provisional patent application for etrasimod controlled-release delivery profiles has the potential to extend patent coverage beyond that for the composition of matter plus patent term extension.

Etrasimod provides systemic and local effects on specific immune cell types and has the potential to treat multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata.