AtheroGenics, Inc. announced that it has begun a phase I clinical trial of AGI-1096, an antioxidant and selective anti-inflammatory agent, as an oral treatment for the prevention of organ transplant rejection.

"AGI-1096 works in a unique fashion to target the accelerated vascular inflammation underlying chronic organ rejection," said Dr. Russell Medford, President of AtheroGenics.

A company spokesperson said AGI-1096 may prevent transplant rejection in two ways: by diminishing the transplant response to inflammation, and by protecting the blood vessels to the transplanted organ through its v-protectant activity.

Other sources: AtheroGenics