vTv Therapeutics Inc. announced results of a multiple ascending dose study evaluating HPP737, an orally administered phosphodiesterase type 4 (“PDE4”) inhibitor, in healthy adults. The trial enrolled 12 subjects in each of two dose cohorts, 15mg and 20mg, randomized to receive HPP737 or placebo (3:1) orally once daily for 14 days. Dose escalation up to 20mg/day demonstrated approximate dose proportional increases in exposure, while maintaining a favorable safety and tolerability profile with no dose limiting safety or tolerability findings observed. There were no serious adverse events and no discontinuations due to treatment emergent adverse events. vTv therefore believes that the current safety profile allows it to move forward in development with a drug that may achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic responses without the significant safety issues of other PDE4 inhibitors. Results of the two multiple ascending dose studies conducted by vTv to date will be presented at an upcoming scientific conference focused on dermatology. With these results, vTv held a successful pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Division of Dermatology and Dentistry. As a key outcome of the meeting, the Company obtained acknowledgement that the completed studies appear reasonable to support the proposed dosing regimen of 20mg/day for 12 weeks. In addition, the Company obtained feedback on the proposed safety monitoring and clinical trial endpoints. vTv plans to file an IND application later this year for a 12-week Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of HPP737 in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis with study initiation targeted for early 2022. In addition to the Company’s planned Phase 2 study in moderate to severe psoriasis, Newsoara Biopharma, the Company’s strategic partner in Asia, is currently conducting Phase 2 studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis in China. HPP737 is a novel, potent, orally administered PDE4 inhibitor discovered by vTv Therapeutics. HPP737 has been tested by vTv in three Phase 1 healthy volunteer clinical trials to date under an IND with the Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care. HPP737 has been well tolerated across the range of doses tested, with few or no gastrointestinal adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. vTv is filing a new IND for HPP737 with the Division of Dermatology and Dentistry to pursue HPP737 as a treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that impacts the skin and joints due to an imbalance of inflammatory cytokines. This results in the development of raised, red, silvery scale plaques on the skin (i.e. plaque psoriasis, psoriasis vulgaris) that has both medical implications and an impact on a patient’s quality of life. While the specific trigger for this inflammatory imbalance is unknown, psoriasis may be caused by autoimmunity and genetic predisposition. Events such as trauma to the skin, stress, illness or infection that triggers the immune system, obesity, and weather have all been identified as contributing factors.