United Kingdom-based Redx Pharma is planning to commence first-in-man studies with RXC006 during 2020, it was reported yesterday.

The company is taking this step after the first pre-clinical data for the drug candidate suggested that the compound has potential as a fibrosis treatment. The product is being developed as an orally administered and first-in-class treatment for the orphan disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is a chronic lung condition.

RXC006, which is a potent porcupine inhibitor protected by distinct intellectual property, has a predicted human PK profile that can dose regimens to balance efficacy with potential side effects.

The preclinical studies demonstrate that XC006 was effective at suppressing the Wnt pathway, in addition to suppress lung fibrosis, in vivo.