Eglin Pharma Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Oral Candidate EG-009 for COVID-19-Induced Cytokine Release Syndrome

Today, Evergreen Therapeutics announced that the Phase I clinical trial of EG009 soft capsules, an oral therapeutic drug developed by the company for moderate to severe COVID-19, was officially launched on December 10, 2020 (Eastern Time). The drug is being developed for the treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) caused by the novel coronavirus.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) is a complex inflammatory response. During CRS, various cytokines in body fluids, such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and IL-8, are produced in large quantities. Studies have shown that CRS can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ failure, making it one of the primary causes of death in moderate to severe cases of COVID-19. Furthermore, many COVID-19 patients experience a second cytokine storm after recovering and being discharged from the hospital.

According to Evergreen Therapeutics’ press release, the oral drug EG-009 under development by the company can inhibit the activity of multiple cytokines, thereby achieving therapeutic effects for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 and reducing patient mortality. The Phase I clinical trial of this drug was approved by the U.S. FDA in September this year.

In addition to this oral drug candidate, Evergreen Therapeutics is also planning to launch Phase II clinical trials for another injectable COVID-19 drug candidate, EG-009A Injection. It is reported that the IND application and clinical protocol for this trial have been approved by the FDA, and the drug will be developed for severe patients who require immediate ventilator support upon hospital admission.

References:

[1] Evergreen Therapeutics Press Release

[2] Evergreen Therapeutics Official Website. from http://www.egpharm.com/Innovation.aspx

Source: Medical Perspective

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