Noxopharm Ltd (ASX:NOX) has fully enrolled Part 2 of the NOXCOVID study looking into the potential of Veyonda® to block the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or ‘cytokine storm’ and improve the outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19.
Part 2 of the study proceeded on the basis of the positive safety findings of NOXCOVID Part 1, where the 1800 milligram dose was found to be well tolerated by patients with compromised lung function.
Continuing analysis of blood samples for biomarkers of CRS and severity of COVID-19 disease is underway in an Australian laboratory.
Study rationale
A major trigger for CRS is thought to be the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) signalling pathway, an inflammation trigger mechanism that responds to lung tissue damaged by viruses such as coronavirus and influenza virus.
In some individuals, the STING response is inappropriately excessive, inflicting even more damage on the body and predisposing to septic shock.
Independent pre-clinical studies have confirmed that idronoxil (the active ingredient in Veyonda) blocks this excessive STING response in what appears to be a comprehensive way, raising the prospect of successfully dampening down CRS in at-risk patients, and potentially blocking the release into the blood of multiple pro-inflammatory factors leading to blood clotting and major organ failure.
Looking forward
The company acknowledges its appreciation of the trial clinicians at the three trial sites who have achieved this in the face of strong pressure on hospital services from three waves of infection and the emergence of more virulent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
At the end of the study, the full analysis of all blood biomarkers (a key outcome of this trial along with safety) will be reconciled with the clinical data including clinical status and co-morbidities and then reported to the market.