Biotechnology company Redx Pharma Limited (LSE: REDX) reported on Monday that new Phase 2a data showed its selective ROCK2 inhibitor zelasudil (RXC007) was well tolerated and demonstrated early signs of anti-fibrotic activity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Results were presented at the European Respiratory Society meeting in Amsterdam.

The 48-patient trial showed zelasudil numerically reduced forced vital capacity decline at 12 weeks, with a 47% reduction (58ml) at 20mg BID and a 13% reduction (16ml) at 50mg BID compared with placebo. Patients continuing into the 12-week open-label extension maintained stabilised lung function, while placebo patients switching to zelasudil also showed benefit. Biomarker analysis further supported the anti-fibrotic signal.

No deaths or treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Zelasudil was well tolerated both as monotherapy and in combination with standard of care agents pirfenidone and nintedanib. The most common adverse event was reversible, asymptomatic liver enzyme elevation, with no evidence of hypotension or gastrointestinal issues.

Redx said the results reinforce zelasudil's potential as a best-in-class therapy for IPF and other interstitial lung diseases. The company is seeking a partner to advance the programme into later-stage development.