10:59 AM EDT, 03/13/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Life sciences company Cosciens Biopharma ( CSCI ) was down 14% at last look, but off fresh 52 week lows hit earlier on Thursday, after it announced the initiation of A Phase 2a clinical efficacy study involving its flagship avenanthramides product being developed for potential applications in managing conditions related to inflammation.

When Cosciens provided a corporate update and highlighted its pipeline prioritization just before Christmas, in December, it planned to release a new corporate presentation outlining key development areas and upcoming milestones in January 2025.

In today's statement, the company noted 20 patients will be enrolled in the Phase 2a portion of the AvenActive Study which is designed to assess potential efficacy in two arms with patients receiving selected doses of 480 mg and 960 mg per day. Initial dosing is expected to occur on March 14, 2025.

The company in December said it expected the Phase 2a efficacy study will be initiated in Q1 2025, with expected completion in Q3 2025.

Avenanthramides are compounds found exclusively in oats, and is believed to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cosciens initiated a clinical trial (Phase 1-2a) in late 2023. The AvenActive study enrolled 72 healthy subjects, who received avenanthramide doses ranging from 30 mg to 960 mg per day. No significant adverse events were reported during the Phase 1 portion of the study.

The company's shares were last seen down $0.66, to $3.03, on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Price: 3.17, Change: -0.66, Percent Change: -17.23