University of Birmingham and Acticor Biotech Gain Regulatory Approval for Groundbreaking LIBERATE Clinical Study

Birmingham - September 9, 2023: In a momentous development for cardiovascular medicine, the University of Birmingham and Acticor Biotech have received full regulatory approval for the LIBERATE clinical study. This study marks a significant stride towards potential breakthroughs in the treatment of heart attacks, using the novel antithrombotic drug, glenzocimab.

The LIBERATE clinical trial is the culmination of a partnership agreement forged between the University of Birmingham and Acticor Biotech in 2021. This groundbreaking study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of glenzocimab in patients suffering from a specific type of heart attack known as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and planned for a percutaneous coronary intervention.

The recent publication of a scientific paper authored by Dr. Mark Thomas, titled "Amplified inhibition of atherosclerotic plaque-induced platelet activation by glenzocimab with dual antiplatelet therapy," in the prestigious Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, has underscored the significance of glenzocimab's mode of action as an antithrombotic agent. This research provided the foundation for the LIBERATE clinical study.

The LIBERATE trial is designed as a randomized, double-blind Phase 2b clinical trial, set to enroll over 200 patients who have recently experienced a STEMI and are scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary objective of this trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of glenzocimab at a dosage of 1000 mg in comparison to a placebo in reducing the size of the myocardial infarction. The evaluation will take place at Day 90 post-treatment.

This groundbreaking research will be carried out in two prominent acute care hospitals in the United Kingdom: the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. The commencement of patient recruitment is anticipated by the end of 2023.

Dr. Mark Thomas, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Birmingham and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, has been instrumental in designing and developing the LIBERATE trial. Expressing his excitement, Dr. Thomas stated, "Our recent studies of glenzocimab at the University of Birmingham have just been published – these explain the cellular mechanisms for why it is highly effective at reducing 'blood stickiness,' particularly when combined with existing medications. We are very pleased to receive regulatory approval to launch the LIBERATE clinical trial to investigate whether glenzocimab can reduce the type of blood clotting that causes heart damage during heart attacks."

Professor Jon Townend, Consultant Cardiologist at University Hospitals Birmingham, Honorary Professor of Cardiology in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and Chief Investigator of the trial, shared Dr. Thomas's enthusiasm. "This new drug looks extremely promising, and we are excited to be within sight of beginning recruitment for this important trial," Professor Townend remarked.

Glenzocimab has already demonstrated promising results in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, and this trial aims to extend its therapeutic potential to other cardiovascular emergency indications, specifically myocardial infarction. Yannick Pletan, Chief Medical Officer and General Manager of Acticor Biotech, expressed delight at the collaboration with the University of Birmingham and all teams involved in expanding the therapeutic scope of glenzocimab.

The LIBERATE clinical study holds immense promise and potential to transform the landscape of cardiovascular medicine. As patient recruitment begins and the study unfolds, the world will be watching with bated breath, hoping for groundbreaking discoveries that could save countless lives.