Selectimmune Pharma AB (publ) announced that the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket) has approved the application to conduct a placebo-controlled clinical study using IL1-RA for the treatment of Bladder Pain Syndrome. Bladder pain syndrome is a highly painful chronic condition that severely impairs the quality of life of affected patients. Numerous therapeutic approaches have been tested, but currently, no specific therapies are available.

Regular painkillers, or even morphine fails to provide adequate symptom relief and even after surgical removal of damaged parts of the bladder, the pain often returns. Company has recently reported positive treatment effects in this patient group, using the IL1-a and ß receptor antagonist (IL1-RA) anakinra, reducing patient symptoms and increasing quality of life. The study also reported positive long-term effects, in patients who continue treatment.

SelectImmune Pharma is now proceeding with a randomized, placebo-controlled study of IL1-RA in patients with bladder pain syndrome. The company has received clinical trial authorization from the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket). The study is planned to involve several clinical sites.