Its drug cytisine is intended to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms in smokers
() shares surged after data showed that its smoking cessation aid is unlikely to interact negatively with other drugs.
A study into its drug cytisine found no clinically significant interaction with the enzymes responsible for drug metabolism or drug transporters. Results suggest that cytisine can be used alongside other medications without changing the dose of either.
Shares of the Seattle-based company jumped nearly 50% to US$5.57 in Tuesday pre-market trading.
Cytisine is designed to target a nicotine receptor to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
“Smokers are as likely as anyone to take medications for a range of conditions. These results suggest that cytisine is unlikely to interfere with their ability to take other medications safely and should help to minimize restrictions on the eligibility of subjects in our forthcoming clinical trials expected to commence later this year,” said chief science officer Anthony Clarke in a press statement.