By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : February 27, 2022 6:32 pm
Cantex also plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials exploring the therapeutic effect of azeliragon in pancreatic and breast cancers.
Cantex Pharmaceuticals has secured a global license from Harvard University's Office of Technology Development (OTD) to further develop Cantex's drug azeliragon into a treatment for inflammatory lung diseases including COVID-19.
This new global license from Harvard bolsters Cantex's existing robust azeliragon composition of matter patent and other intellectual property portfolio covering azeliragon, a well-tolerated, once-a-day pill.
Studies performed on the drug at the Wyss Institute in a Human Lung Alveolus Chip demonstrated that azeliragon significantly blocks the production of inflammation-causing cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10 as well as RANTES, a key proinflammatory cytokine produced by virus-infected lung cells, following viral infection.
Cantex also plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials exploring the therapeutic effect of azeliragon in pancreatic and breast cancers, where RAGE has been implicated in disease progression as well as in complications of treatment.
"Monoclonal antibodies have made an important contribution to the treatment of COVID-19. However, their efficacy is limited, and they can be challenging to manufacture, store, distribute and administer. Thanks to the great work of the scientists at the Wyss Institute, we now have compelling evidence that Cantex's drug azeliragon may have the potential to prevent severe COVID-19 illness in the form of a well-tolerated, once-a-day pill. We're excited to have the opportunity to conduct clinical trials of azeliragon for this disease, seeking to bring this groundbreaking therapy to patients to prevent the life-threatening inflammation that is the major cause of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 infection," said Stephen Marcus, CEO of Cantex.