InhaleRx (ASX:IRX) secured Human Research Ethics Committee approval for its redesigned IRX-211 phase two clinical trial, which includes an expanded scope, according to a Tuesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The redesigned study increased the sample size to 156 participants, with a target of 78 to complete, the filing said.

IRX-211 is an inhaled therapy being developed for potentially treating cancer pain in opioid-tolerant patients.

Patient dosing is anticipated to start in the third quarter of the year, according to the filing.