Proteo Biotech completes preclinical trials of Elfin

German company Proteo Biotech has successfully completed the preclinical trials of its anti-inflammatory agent Elafin.

Applying Elafin to rodents intravenously in high doses over a long period caused no toxic reactions. It is now expected to proceed to Phase I clinical trials.

Produced in a recombinant process, Elafin is of human origin and is one of the most potent inhibitors of human elastase and proteinase 3, and therefore a compound with high biological activity and with less unforeseeable side effects and insignificant allergenic potential compared to most synthetic alternatives.

The preclinical trial results showed great promise in the treatment of tissue and muscle damage, the company said. Elafin reduces damage to heart muscles caused by blood supply deficiencies, indicating applicability in the treatment of cardiac infarction. It was also shown to reduce extremity damage caused by blood supply deficiencies, suggesting suitability as a special drug to prevent amputations after serious injuries. Elafin had a similar effect on transplanted hearts, and could be given to prevent rejection following a transplant.

'These results are an important break-through on the way to the desired authority approval and a confirmation of the uniqueness of our agent Elafin,' said Walter J. Thomsen, ceo of Proteo.