Karolinska Development's portfolio company Umecrine Cognition presents positive phase 1b data for its drug candidate against hepatic encephalopathy

STOCKHOLM - September 13, 2017. Karolinska Development's portfolio company Umecrine Cognition today presents positive phase 1b data for its drug candidate GR3027, which is developed for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious condition that may occur as a consequence of cirrhosis or hepatitis. Umecrine Cognition is, as far as known, the only company with a drug candidate in development to reduce the risk of consciousness disorders and other serious CNS related symptoms associated with HE.

The results of the current phase 1b study show that GR3027 is well tolerated, does not give rise to any dose-limiting side effects and that the pharmacokinetic profile is favorable. The placebo-controlled study was conducted in 18 healthy subjects, where those treated with GR3027 received ascending doses from 50 mg once daily to 100 mg twice daily for a period of five days.

"We are enthusiastic about the positive results in the phase 1b study with GR3027, and are now looking forward to Umecrine Cognition taking the drug candidate further into phase 2a. The results of this next study are expected already during 2018," says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development.

In a previous allopregnanolone challenge study, GR3027 has been shown - already at doses of 3 mg and 30 mg - to penetrate the blood brain barrier and affect the endogenous CNS active GABA steroids that cause symptoms in, for example, hepatic encephalopathy.

Umecrine Cognition's press release pertaining to the phase 1b results is available through the following link: https://www.umecrinecognition.com/press
For further information, please contact:

Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

Christian Tange, CFO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 712 14 30, e-mail: christian.tange@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Karolinska Development AB
Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients' lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of nine companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network..

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com

This information is information that Karolinska Development AB (publ) (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of Viktor Drvota, at 08.00 CET on September 13, 2017.

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