Destiny Pharma PLC looks to build on the progress made with its two key assets

() hailed the progress made with its two lead assets.

In an update alongside interim results, it said a phase III evaluation of the NTCD-M3 programme targeting C. difficile ( ()) is on track to begin in the second half of next year.

“As we finalise the phase III study design and network with () medical experts, we are increasingly enthused by the positioning of NTCD-M3 as a single strain, natural biotherapeutic and its great potential in a large market where peak global product sales could reach US$1bn,” the clinical stage, innovative biotechnology company told investors.

Discussions are progressing around the study design for its XF-73 nasal gel for the prevention of post-surgical infections, the company added.

“We are very pleased with the quality of the XF-73 nasal phase IIb data and are now focused on clarifying the phase III trial designs in the US and Europe,” Destiny said.

“We are confident that XF-73 has the potential to deliver a major improvement in the prevention of post-surgical infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.”

The innovation meets a “clear clinical need” and therefore has blockbuster potential. It believes peak annual sales could be US$1bn in the US alone, the statement said.

Cash resources stood at £7.1mln, enough to fund it to the final quarter of next year.

It posted a loss of almost £3mln due to investment in R&D.