LONDON, April 6 (Reuters) - UK-based biopharma company Izana
Bioscience said it was testing its antibody therapy namilumab
for the treatment of patients with rapidly worsening COVID-19 at
the Humanitas Research Hospitals in Bergamo and Milan in Italy.
Namilumab is a monoclonal antibody therapy currently in
late-stage clinical development for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
It targets a white cell growth factor called GM-CSF, which
has been found in higher levels in COVID-19 patients, according
to recent data from China, Izana Bioscience said. Early
intervention could therefore be beneficial for patients with
COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Chief executive and co-founder Someit Sidhu said: "The role
of GM-CSF in immune-mediated diseases is backed by a strong body
of evidence and our growing understanding of COVID-19.
"Evidence suggests that anti GM-CSF therapy has the
potential to change the way patients' immune systems respond to
the virus, and therefore to reduce dangerous inflammation and
support recovery."
The compassionate use programme is led by Professor Carlo
Selmi, Izana said, while research services are being provided by
Ergomed. Japan's Takeda has a strategic equity
stake in Izana.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Daniel Wallis)