Ergomed PLC (LON:ERGO) shares jumped on Wednesday as the firm revealed it is providing clinical research services for a study in Italy for the treatment of patients with coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a statement, the AIM-listed company which is focused on providing specialised services to the pharmaceutical industry, today announced the initiation of a study of siltuximab, an interleukin (IL)-6 targeted monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 who have developed serious respiratory complications.
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The group noted that the study is sponsored by the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, Italy and supported by EUSA Pharma (EUSA).
Ergomed said it is providing clinical research services for the study and has been integrally involved in the design and implementation of the study from a clinical and operational perspective.
Dr Miroslav Reljanović, Ergomed’s executive chairman commented: "COVID-19 represents an unprecedented global healthcare challenge and the rapid evaluation of therapies which could alter the course of the infection and improve outcomes for patients is vital.
“Ergomed is proud to be making a contribution to this effort by bringing our proven capabilities and expertise to bear on this important study."
In early morning trading, Ergomed shares were 11.4% higher at 312p.