The Company says top-line data analysis demonstrated that the trial clearly succeeded in meeting its primary efficacy endpoint of clinical response with a decrease in rectal bleeding. It also met its key secondary endpoints in relation to clinical remission and mucosal healing.

"We are very encouraged by these results," says Dr. Samantha Du, Chief Scientific Officer of Chi-Med and Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison MediPharma.

"HMPL-004 is an innovative oral botanical drug with unique mechanism of action targeting NF-kB activation, which leads to inhibition of production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. As such, HMPL-004 represents a new approach for the treatment of active IBD patients."

Dr. Du added, "The achievement of all UC trial endpoints, along with the trend of efficacy demonstrated in the earlier Crohn's Disease trial, gives us the confidence to proceed with our development and partnership plans for this drug candidate."

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