[THE INVESTOR] Korean biotech firm Bridge Biotherapeutics said on Nov. 13 it plans to begin phase 2 study of BBT-401, first Pellino-1 inhibitor as a treatment for ulcerative colitis, next month following positive early-stage study results.

The investigational drug, a GI-tract restricted small molecule inhibitor of Pellino-1, was proved to be well tolerated and safe from phase 1 study, which was conducted on 80 volunteers, according to the firm. 

The most common adverse effects were mild and recoverable diarrhea and mild headache.

“Bridge Biotherapeutics plans to initiate phase 2 study in the US within this year on patients with active ulcerative colitis disease to test the safety and efficacy,” the company said in a statement.

BBT-401 was developed by Sungkyunkwan University and Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology. Bridge Biotherapeutics was granted exclusive worldwide rights in 2015.

Along with BBT-401, the company is also working on BBT-877, a potent and selective Autotaxin inhibitor for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)