China's Zhimeng Biopharma, Inc., an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and central nervous system diseases, has announced dosing of the first participant in the US Phase I study of its novel TLR8 agonist (CB06), which is being developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

The Phase I clinical trial, a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, is to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single escalating doses of CB06 in healthy adult subjects.

"We are pleased to have received FDA approval for the clinical trial and are now moving forward with the first human dosing of CB06, which is a testament to our capabilities in global clinical development." Said Dr. Huanming Chen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zhimeng, "Zhimeng plans to submit a clinical trial application to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) following the U.S. Phase I clinical trial to fast-track the clinical study of CB06 in chronic hepatitis B patients in China, fulfilling the urgent clinical need to achieve a cure for chronic hepatitis B."