Clinical-stage drug development company Noxopharm has announced that in a cohort of 18 patients with moderately severe cases of Covid-19, interim data from its NOXCOVID study suggests Veyonda provides protection against progression of the severe inflammation associated with the worsening of the virus.
“Until enough people are vaccinated to achieve global herd immunity in the face of waves of emerging mutant strains of the virus, millions of people are likely to continue to suffer severe Covid-19 disease involving major disabilities and death,” said Noxopharm CEO Graham Kelly. “That is where we see Veyonda playing a key role, with its STING blocking action stopping the destructive inflammatory process in patients with moderate Covid-19. The interim data released today points to Veyonda delivering on this promise.”
The major challenge for hospital services during the Covid-19 pandemic is the high level of care required for patients experiencing rapid deterioration of lung function, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and major disabilities or death. A key factor associated with disease worsening is the excessive production of inflammatory factors normally invoked to facilitate tissue repair and combat infection in a process known as the cytokine storm.
Biomarker data from the top Veyonda dose cohort is expected within the next few weeks. That will be followed by a review of the final clinical data on completion of treatment of the final patient. Clinical status such as World Health Organization Covid-19 grade, comorbidities and other therapies will be considered, and after reviewing all the data, the company intend to consult with government, regulatory, medical, and business development advisors.
