Veloce BioPharma Announces Positive Phase 2b Study Results for VBP-926 for Chemotherapy-Associated Paronychia
Veloce BioPharma, LLC, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing topical therapeutics for unmet needs in dermatologic and ophthalmic diseases, shared positive results of its Phase 2b study of dilute povidone-iodine in a novel DMSO solvent system for the topical treatment of chemotherapy-associated paronychia, or painful and inflamed nail units resulting as a side effect of chemotherapy.
The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase 2b study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of two strengths of VBP-926 (1% PVP-I, 2% PVP-I) vs. vehicle in 102 subjects with chemotherapy-associated paronychia. Results from the study showed that VBP-926 (2%) met the primary efficacy endpoint of grade-improvement on the Paronychia Severity Grading Scale. Consistent with previously reported case series results, VBP-926 was well-tolerated at both doses and provided both morphological resolution and symptomatic relief in affected nails. VBP-926 is a broad-spectrum, resistance-free biocidal topical solution that has the ability to eradicate all known microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, fungi and protozoa.
“This trial clearly demonstrated the clinical benefit of VBP-926 2% solution” says Dr. Kara Capriotti, MD, President and Director of Dermatology programs at Veloce. “We are well positioned to move VBP-926 into Phase 3 development and continue advancing a product that targets an indication with no approved therapies. Addressing the pain and discomfort suffered by patients with chemotherapy-associated paronychia is an enormous unmet need and we are encouraged to be getting closer to a topical therapy that can solve this problem.”
Phase 2b results showed that VBP-926 at the higher concentration met the primary efficacy endpoint. The 2% dose reached statistical significance for nail grade improvement from baseline to the end of therapy for change in the Paronychia Severity Grading Scale (p=.0003). No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Adverse events were mild in severity and reversible when treatment was discontinued.
Mario Lacouture, MD, Director, Oncodermatology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Lead Investigator of the trial, commented, “Chemotherapy-associated paronychia is a frequent side effect of cancer treatments, and may impair quality of life and administration of anticancer treatments. This study is of interest, as it showed a significant reduction in paronychia score at the higher concentration of VBP-926 solution.” Dr. Lacouture’s research was funded by Veloce BioPharma.