ATL1102 is a second-generation antisense inhibitor of an immune system protein called VLA-4 (alpha-4 integrin chain; CD49d). ATL1102 is designed to block the synthesis of VLA-4 which is known to play a part in both the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). "We are pleased to move ATL1102 into patient trials," said Mark Diamond, managing director of Antisense Therapeutics. "VLA-4 is a clinically validated target in MS and antisense inhibition of VLA-4 has demonstrated positive effects in multiple animal models of inflammatory diseases, including MS. This phase IIa trial will provide important efficacy data on ATL1102 and thereby, an indication of our compound's potential as an effective treatment for MS." In this multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, approximately 60 patients with relapsing-remitting MS will receive ATL1102 or placebo over eight weeks. The goal of the phase IIa trial is to obtain preliminary evidence of the drug's effectiveness, which will be evaluated using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) indices. Antisense Therapeutics Limited expects that the treatment and patient monitoring stages of the trial will be complete by early 2006 and anticipates reporting results by mid-2006.