AtheroNova, a biotech company focused on the R&D of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve lipid profiles in humans, has initiated a phase I clinical trial with its compound, AHRO-001, to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of AHRO-001 in healthy volunteers. The clinical study is being conducted in Russia with licensing partner OOO CardioNova.

"There is a significant unmet need for effective and well-tolerated agents in the treatment of both atherosclerosis and lipid modulation," said Thomas W. Gardner, chairman and chief executive officer of AtheroNova.

The phase I study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that assesses ascending doses of AHRO-001 in healthy adult volunteers.