Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Initiates Phase 1 Study of ART-123 in the U.S. and Japan

CARY, N.C., U.S.A. (March 28, 2022) – Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an Asahi Kasei company, today announced initiation of study drug dosing in ART-123.PN101, a phase 1 study designed primarily to assess the safety and tolerability of ART-123 (thrombomodulin alfa) in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy that includes Oxaliplatin. The ART-123.PN101 study is being conducted jointly with Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp. in the United States and Japan.

“This ART-123.PN101 study is another example of how Veloxis is continuing its growth as a global development company together with Asahi Kasei,” says Mark Hensley, CEO, Veloxis. “We are committed to developing innovative therapeutics that improve the lives and outcomes of patients across the world.”

Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs are known to cause chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Typical CIPN symptoms include pain, numbness and/or tingling that begins in the hands and/or feet. These symptoms can impair day-to-day activities and may negatively impact cancer treatment outcomes due to reduced dosage or suspension of chemotherapy administration.

Currently, no drugs are approved in the U.S. for CIPN prevention or treatment. To address this unmet medical need, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp., together with Veloxis, is developing ART-123 for prevention of the sensory symptoms of CIPN. For more information about ART-123.PN101, please visit the study link.

About ART-123:

A recombinant human thrombomodulin approved only in Japan (generic name: thrombomodulin alfa; marketed as Recomodulin^™ Injection) since 2008 for the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). ART-123 is thought to suppress CIPN through the activation of protein C and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI).

About Veloxis Pharmaceuticals:

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an Asahi Kasei company, is a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of transplant patients. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., USA, Veloxis is focused on the global development and commercialization of medications utilized by transplant patients and by patients with serious related diseases. For further information, please visit www.veloxis.com.

About Asahi Kasei:

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 40,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its healthcare operations include devices and systems for acute critical care, dialysis, therapeutic apheresis, transfusion, and manufacture of biotherapeutics, as well as pharmaceuticals and diagnostic reagents. For further information, please visit www.asahi-kasei.com.