Marina Biotech has initiated patient dosing in a Phase Ib/IIa trial evaluating CEQ508 in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

The open-label, escalating-dose study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of CEQ508 after 28 days of daily oral dosing.

The trial is also intended to provide data on beta-catenin biomarker changes pre- and post-treatment, as well as pharmacokinetic data related to the gastrointestinal coverage of CEQ508.

The study will consist of 12 patients in four dose-escalating cohorts.

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a hereditary condition characterised by the formation of numerous polyps throughout the large intestine, which can lead to bleeding, anaemia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation.