Amplio Pharma has reported positive early results for NovoBioJect, a drug designed to make the world’s most-used rheumatoid arthritis medicine work for more patients.

The Phase 1b study enrolled 12 patients. A single dose produced a rapid, statistically significant 38 per cent increase in the build-up of active drug inside immune cells, compared with standard treatment alone.

NovoBioJect pairs low-dose methotrexate, the global first-line arthritis drug for over 40 years, with a low dose of novobiocin. The second drug blocks a transporter that pumps the medicine out of immune cells before it can work.

Up to 60 per cent of patients do not reach remission on methotrexate alone and must move to costlier second-line drugs. The new combo aims to raise the first-line response rate.

The safety profile was favourable in the small study. The company called it the first evidence in patients that the mechanism works as designed.

Amplio is now raising about 10 million euros to fund a Phase 2a proof-of-concept study in the Netherlands.