Verona Pharma value doubles, as ensifentrine hits Phase III goals

UK-based Verona Pharma (Nasdaq: VRNA) pleased investors today, as it announced positive results from its Phase III ENHANCE-2 trial of ensifentrine for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), news of which sent the firm’s shares up more than 100% to $13.93 in pre-market trading.

Ensifentrine is a first-in class product candidate that combines bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory activities in one compound, the company noted.

David Zaccardelli, Verona Pharma’s president and chief executive, said: “We are very pleased by the successful outcome of our ENHANCE-2 study and remain committed to bringing ensifentrine to COPD patients as quickly as possible. These data, along with results from our ongoing Phase III trial, ENHANCE-1, which is on track to be reported around the end of 2022, if similarly positive, are expected to support the submission of a New Drug Application to the US Food and Drug Administration in the first half of 2023. We want to thank all the patients and investigators for their participation in the trial to advance ensifentrine as a potential new therapy for the treatment of COPD.”