Enzo begins phase 2 trial of EGS21 for Crohn's disease

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., March 14 - Enzo Biochem, Inc. said its wholly owned subsidiary, Enzo Therapeutics, has started a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate its immunomodulatory drug candidate, EGS21, in the management of Crohn's disease, a chronic, serious inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

This new study follows last year's successful phase 1 safety trial of EGS21, according to a company news release.

Enrollment in the phase 2 study is beginning at Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, where the study will be conducted.

The study is based on preclinical studies in animal model systems carried out by Enzo scientists and collaborators. These studies indicated that EGS21 acts on immune regulatory (NKT) cells and could regulate the body's immune response.

The preclinical studies also suggest EGS21 as a possible treatment for a variety of immune mediated diseases. As a result, Enzo is conducting a phase 2 clinical trial on the effect of EGS21 on subjects with NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and its associated metabolic syndrome.

Enzo is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques. The company is based in Farmingdale, N.Y.

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