Midatech Pharma kicks off stem cell transplant side-effect trial

The AIM-traded international specialty pharmaceutical company said it enrolled the patient in the Phase IV trial in the US at both the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and Massachusetts General Hospital.

The trial will be randomised and double blind, with one group receiving the medication and the other a placebo.

David R. Benharris, Midatech Pharma’s US President, said: "The expert treatment centres at Dana Farber and MGH are renowned for their work in SCT therapy, and in this regard are already enrolling appropriate patients for trial participation. The trial aims to establish how Gelclair can assist health care professionals and SCT units to better manage patient care, as well as improve upon the health care economics, relative to the treatment of oral mucositis, which is commonly seen in this patient population."

Midatech said the treatment has already been used "effectively" on thousands of patients suffering from oral mucositis as an after-effect of radiation and chemo therapies, which causes painful and debilitating inflammation and ulceration of the surface of the mouth.

The condition can lead to complications such as inability to eat and increased risk of infection due to open sores.

As of 1527 BST, Midatech Pharma’s shares were up 3.10% at 29.90p.