Verona up 33% on COPD results

Respiratory diseases specialist Verona Pharma (AIM: VRP) was set to close 31% up in London trading on Monday as markets took in the importance of its positive Phase IIb results in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The study of RPL554, an inhaled, dual inhibitor of the enzymes phosphodiesterase three and four with bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties, met the primary endpoint of producing a clinically and statistically significant improvement in peak forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) at four weeks, in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, compared to placebo.

"These results strongly support the progression of RPL554 into later stage development as an inhaled treatment for COPD"