BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday that a topicalformulation of its lead compound, BCX-34, was safe and effective inPhase II trials of psoriasis and cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL).

BioCryst, of Birmingham, Ala., said summary evaluations, in theform of "global scores," for both trials showed statisticallysignificant effects on lesions when compared to the base cream. Thescores evaluate thickness, inflammation, scaling and patientresponse.

The Phase II trials involved 40 patients with psoriasis and 30 withCTCL. The formulations contained 0.1 to 5 percent BCX-34, whichis a small molecule designed to inhibit proliferation of T cells bytargeting the enzyme, purine nucleoside phosphorylase.

"Responses were seen in both studies after only one week oftreatment," said William Cook, BioCryst's vice president of medicalaffairs. "We are particularly excited about the marked clearing ofCTCL lesions within six weeks of treatment. Three test lesionscleared completely and there was an overall average reduction of 55percent in lesion areas."

The company also said there were no significant side effectsassociated with use of the cream.

BioCryst's stock (NASDAQ:BCRX) was up 50 cents per shareMonday, closing at $6.25. _ Jim Shrine

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