Two sets of phase II trials on a new drug designed to help ease the symptoms of inflammatory diseases are to be launched in 2008, it has been revealed.

Arana Therapeutics said that its ART621 drug would be tested to identify how it affects patients with the skin condition psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The psoriasis trial will take place in Australia and last for three months, with researchers focusing on establishing a suitable dose for those with the complaint.

Caused by the unusually fast renewal of skin cells, psoriasis causes silvery scales and irritated red patches to appear on the body and can seriously affect the confidence of sufferers.

A second trial examining the efficacy of ART621 in treating rheumatoid arthritis, a painful condition that causes joints to swell, will launch later in the year.

Patients with a unique unmet need can be treated with drugs undergoing clinical trials through Masters' named patient supply programme, which can deliver such medicines to healthcare providers across the world.