Two separate phase II clinical trails have been launched to test the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a new drug when it is given to patients with one of two different medical conditions.

XenPort intends to examine the performance of its XP19986 medicine when taken by patients who are suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or spasticity due to spinal cord injury.

GERD occurs when stomach acid travels up the oesophagus, making it inflamed and uncomfortable.

The new trial, which is expected to last for a month and will involve 150 people across the US, is designed to provide data about the performance of sustained-release formulation of XP19986.

Participants living with a spinal cord injury who take part in the second clinical trial will also receive a sustained-release formulation of the drug, which it is hoped could cut the number of times they would have to take medication to control their condition to twice a day.

A total of 36 patients are to take part in the study, which is being conducted in the US, with the group receiving one of three different doses.

Medical professionals who have patients in need of a medication that is still being examined in clinical trials can contact Masters, a firm which has many years experience in providing healthcare solutions to patients and physicians around the world.