10:49 AM EDT, 04/16/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Palisade Bio ( PALI ) said Tuesday that an analysis of ex-vivo bioactivation of PALI-2108 showed that the prodrug demonstrated "efficient" conversion into its active phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor form in stool samples from both normal healthy volunteers and patients with ulcerative colitis.

PALI-2108 was converted into its active PDE4 inhibitor form at a roughly 90% mean rate, with conversion steadily growing over time, the company said.

"The results from this study underscore our confidence in PALI-2108 as a targeted treatment for moderate-to-severe UC," said Chief Medical Officer Mitch Jones.

Palisade Bio ( PALI ) shares were up nearly 55% in recent trading.