BioPorto (NASDAQ COPENHAG:BIOPOR) A/S, the diagnostics group, reported that one of its biomarker tests has been used in a research study on a potential treatment for seriously ill coronavirus (COVID-19) patients.
Published research of the study carried out in Denmark showed that damage to major organs in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) could be significantly reduced if they are given the existing drug prostacyclin.
"We have discovered that damage to the endothelial cells in the body's smallest vessel, the capillaries, can be early indicators of very serious conditions for COVID-19 patients," said Professor Pär I Johansson, who led the research.
"In case of damage to the endothelial cells of the capillaries, micro-blood clots occur, which prevent the supply of oxygen and cause serious damage to the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. That process seems to be slowed down by treatment with prostacyclin."
READ: BioPorto sees 'satisfying' 3Q with strong antibodies, ELISA kits and research-use sales of its flagship NGAL Test
Eighty patients in the study were tested for signs of endothelial cell damage via a biomarker from the company using the group's generic Rapid Assay Device (gRAD) technology, reported BioPorto (NASDAQ COPENHAG:BIOPOR).
Patients who received three days of prostacyclin treatment had significantly less damage to their vital organs during hospitalization, and the mortality rate among patients was halved from 44% in the control group to 22% in the prostacyclin group.
Dr Christopher Bird, the chief medical officer at BioPorto noted: "The results from the research group led by Dr. Johansson is encouraging news for COVID-19 patients, and we are proud that our gRAD test contributed to the study."
As the data from the study was limited to 80 patients, the statistical significance and conclusions will have to be verified in a larger study where more patients are examined, noted the firm.
Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com