(Alliance News) - Evgen Pharma PLC on Wednesday said its SFX-01 product has been selected to be evaluated in a Phase II/III trial to investigate whether it can reduce the severity or prevent the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with Covid-19.
SFX-01 product is a patented composition of synthetic sulforaphane and alpha-cyclodextrin. It has shown positive results from a trial for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and is being investigated for its efficacy in reversing the signs of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. It is also being advanced towards a clinical trial for treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Evgen said preclinical studies shows that SFX-01 upregulates the Nrf2 pathway which is part of the natural human defence against inflammatory and oxidative stress. Upregulating the Nrf2 pathway reduces the severity of progressive lung damage observed in Covid-19 patients.
The study will recruit up to 300 patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 from hospitals across the UK. Enrolment is expected to begin in July and results are expected in 2021.
Evgen said the clinical study is being supported by a grant from medical research charity LifeArc, adding that no additional financing is required.
"SFX-01 is an anti-inflammatory medication that we believe may have the potential to reduce some of the worst outcomes of Covid-19. Early treatment with an Nrf2 activator in patients hospitalised with Covid-19 may prevent deterioration and help to preserve precious ICU resources in the context of the pandemic. This is a completely new mechanism as there is currently no drug that targets Nrf2," said James Chalmers, principal investigator on the trial.
Evgen stock was trading 13% higher at 10.30 pence each on Wednesday morning in London, and 55% higher than at the start of the year.
By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com.
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