Positive data for ARA 290, possible first-ever sarcoidosis therapy

Private US biopharmaceutical firm Araim Pharmaceuticals has released data from a Phase IIb study into the company's lead compound cibinetide, which is being developed as a potential treatment for sarcoidosis.

The company says the drug, labelled provisionally as ARA290, demonstrated significant nerve regrowth assessed by two different measures of nerve fiber regeneration, as well as reductions in pain and improvements in functional capacity.

Sarcoidosis is a chronic immune disease, of unknown cause, affecting young-to-middle-aged people. The condition can lead to organ impairment, including small nerve fiber loss and chronic pain.