Ikaria Completes Dosing of Phase 1a Clinical Study for IK-1001 (Sodium Sulfide) for...(eregulatory bodies we expect to start la...),Health

Daniel Tasse, President & CEO of Ikaria, remarked, "IK-1001 is an important addition to our growing portfolio of clinical-stage drug development candidates, which includes Covox(R) (carbon monoxide) for inhalation in Phase 2 trials and INOmax(R) (nitric oxide) for inhalation, which is already on the market, as well as in multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials. Although these drug candidates are targeted for different indications and patient populations, all share a common goal of providing therapeutic options for currently unmet critical care needs. It is Ikaria's mission to develop novel treatments for the critically ill in the in hospital and ICU setting -- an area of medicine that is highly underserved, yet represents a multi-billion-dollar market."

Hydrogen sulfide is more commonly known as a toxic gas at high levels, but has demonstrated a biologically protective role when delivered in very low doses. Based upon research on the bioactivity of the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, Ikaria is investigating the impact of the sulfide ion, administered as sodium sulfide, in a number of disease models. Preclinical data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of IK-1001 (sodium sulfide) for injection, a parenteral injectable formulation of hydrogen sulfide, in a variety of disease models including myocardial infarction, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, liver ischemia and reperfusion, organ storage and transplantation and acute lung injury.

Mark Roth, Ph.D., a member of the research faculty of the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), noted, "The fact that IK-1001 progressed from the early concept stage into the completion of this Phase 1 trial in less than 18 months speaks volumes about the quality and innovative spirit of the R&D group at Ikaria." In a landmark article in the prestigious journal, Science, Dr. Roth demonstrated the
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