Arcede Pharma and Iconovo AB (publ) announced that the collaborative project around Arcede's drug candidate RCD405 is progressing with good results. The next step in the project is a technical stability study before the drug candidate can be tested clinically. The project supported by SweLife is part of the previously communicated collaboration between Arcede Pharma, Iconovo and Lund University for the development of the drug candidate RCD405 primarily for the treatment of COPD.

Iconovo has been responsible for the formulation work and made adjustments that resulted in the formulation now being well suited for use in two of the company's inhaler platforms, ICOone and ICOcap, in a wide dose range from very low to very high doses. In parallel, Arcede Pharma has conducted a four-week toxicological study which shows that RCD405 is well tolerated. RCD405 is a drug candidate developed by Arcede Pharma primarily for the treatment of COPD.

The treatment has both broncho-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, which distinguishes it from currently available treatments. The dual mechanism of action thus has the potential to both provide a better effect and affect the underlying disease. ICOone is a unique and patented dry powder inhaler intended for single use.

ICOone can deliver large inhalation doses that are well protected from moisture. ICOcap is an inhaler for drugs in capsules that are loaded one at a time. It has a robust and unique easy-to-grip design, a patented integrated mouthpiece cover and low inhalation resistance.

ICOcap has the same function and performance as the established inhaler Breezhaler from Novartis.