Safety and Efficacy Study of Oral Ferric Iron To Treat Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis (AEGIS-1)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether ST10-021, an oral ferric iron preparation, is safe and effective in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in subjects with non-active ulcerative colitis (UC).

As no curative treatment is currently available for ulcerative colitis (UC), treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, maintaining remission and preventing relapse. As such, treatment of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), a key symptom of the disease, is integral to the medical management of UC. Iron deficiency anaemia in UC is a chronically debilitating disorder which has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected subjects. Characteristic symptoms of IDA include chronic fatigue, headache, and subtle impairment of cognitive function. Up to one third of subjects with UC suffer from recurrent anaemia, with hospitalization required in severe cases. First line standard therapy for mild to moderate IDA in UC is typically oral ferrous products (OFP), however this is often not successful. Many subjects are intolerant and suffer from continuously occurring side effects, occasional exacerbation of inflammatory lesions and failure to correct iron deficiency. Common adverse effects of OFP include nausea, epigastric discomfort and constipation, all of which are dose-related and appear especially evident in subjects with UC. As compared to oral ferrous iron, oral ferric iron can be administered with improved tolerability and the total dose exposure of unabsorbed iron within the gastrointestinal tract is significantly reduced. In addition, the iron is retained in its chelated form if not absorbed and this may reduce the risk of irritation within the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical studies conducted to date provide preliminary evidence for the therapeutic potential of ST10-021 in patients with IDA in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including UC. The purpose of this study is to determine whether ST10-021 is safe and effective in the treatment of IDA in subjects with non-active UC. In an effort to target an underserved population, the study will include only those subjects who have failed OFP in the past, or where OFP cannot be used.