Sareum Holdings plc announced the dosing of the first subjects in the food effects part of its Phase 1a clinical trial of lead programme SDC-1801. Dosing has started at a specialist clinical unit in Melbourne, Australia. The food effects study is a key part of the Phase 1a trial, designed to determine how the presence of food might affect the absorption and pharmacokinetic profile of SDC-1801.

This part of the study will inform whether the drug should be taken with food or on an empty stomach, optimising its potential benefits whilst potentially minimising any possible side effects. This study runs in conjunction with the Single Ascending Dose (SAD) and the Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) parts of the trial, which are concurrently dosing subjects as planned, ensuring a robust assessment of SDC-1801's pharmacological profile. SDC-1801 is a dual TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor being developed as a potential new therapeutic for a range of autoimmune diseases with an initial focus on psoriasis, an autoimmune condition affecting the skin.

Full safety data from the Phase 1a trial are expected to be available during the first half of 2024 and, provided satisfactory results are obtained, a Phase 1b clinical study is expected to commence as soon as possible thereafter in psoriasis patients.