PATH's Drug Development program announces positive phase 1 results for its anti-diarrheal medication

South San Francisco, November 12, 2012—PATH’s Drug Development program announced today the completion of two phase 1 clinical studies for iOWH032—its investigational new drug to treat acute secretory diarrhea caused by diseases such as cholera. The studies evaluated the drug’s safety and tolerability and measured the extent and rate of its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, reporting no serious adverse events. Based on these outcomes, iOWH032 will proceed into the next phase of clinical trials in Bangladesh in early 2013.

The development of iOWH032 is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Unlike most currently available medications, iOWH032 is designed to treat the diarrheal processes directly by reducing fluid secretion, thus shortening both the duration and severity of the symptoms. If approved, the drug would be used in conjunction with oral rehydration therapy and encourage wider adoption of and compliance with treatment.

“We are excited about this milestone. Diarrheal disease remains the second leading killer of children younger than five in the developing world. While this disease is both preventable and treatable, millions of children across the globe suffer needlessly. We can do better,” said Dr. Ponni Subbiah, global program leader for PATH’s Drug Development group. “iOWH032 has potential to be the first synthetic drug of its kind designed to reduce fluid loss and more quickly relieve diarrhea symptoms. We are thankful for the expertise and support of our advisors and partners in the United States and Bangladesh, and look forward to the next phase of development.”

PATH’s Drug Development global program was established through our affiliation with OneWorld Health, a nonprofit drug development organization. The program works to develop and ensure availability and accessibility of safe and effective new medicines for diseases disproportionately affecting people in developing countries. For more information, please visit our Drug Development program website.