Pharmos has dosed its first U.S. patients with its compound levotofisopam (S-tofisopam) to treat hyperuricemia and gout. As a phase IIa proof-of-concept trial, the trial is designed to assess the safety and efficiacy of levotofisopam as a uric acid-lowering agent.

This trial follows two phase I studies that were completed by Vela Pharmaceuticals, which merged with Pharmos in 2006. These studies, conducted in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, showed levotofisopam was associated with a large and rapid reduction in serum uric acid values.

Levotofisopam is the S-entantiomer of the racemic mixture RS-tofisopam, a well-tolerated, effective, nonsedating agent used for the treatment of disorders associated with stress or autonomic instability.

Pharmos said once this clinical trial is completed it plans to seek a partner to develop levotofisopam for the treatment of gout.