RE: Dec 31st 202326 Oct 2021 21:25
Completed Covid-19 Research Project Delivers Encouraging Results
Cambridge, UK, 1 July 2021 – Sareum Holdings plc (AIM: SAR), the specialist drug development company delivering targeted small molecule therapeutics to improve the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, is pleased to announce encouraging top-line results from its UKRI grant funded Covid-19 research project.
The aim of this research project was to investigate the effects of SDC-1801, the Company’s proprietary TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, on cytokine signalling after SARS-CoV-2 infection. It was also designed to confirm whether an over-active inflammatory response (known as a ‘cytokine storm’) via the Interferon Type 1 pathway can be blocked in this disease by SDC-1801.
The project has completed on schedule, with the final results confirming the initial encouraging results as noted in the Company’s Interim Results, published on 23 April 2021. The results of the project found that SDC-1801 reduced the levels of cytokines associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in human lung cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrated a profile that was superior to the anti-inflammatory steroid dexamethasone and similar to baricitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor.
Subsequent completed in-vivo studies support the initial cellular results and indicate:
Strong evidence that expression of Type 1 interferons (IFNa and IFNb) is reduced by SDC-1801 treatment in a dose-responsive manner; and thatViral loads did not increase after SDC-1801 administration, a potential concern when anti-inflammatory agents are used to dampen down an over-active immune response
A secondary objective, the investigation into whether treatment with SDC-1801 in disease models could protect against bacterial pneumonia following SARS-CoV-2 infection was inconclusive, due to technical shortcomings in the disease model.
Subject to successful completion of the ongoing preclinical toxicology studies, requisite approvals and financing, the Company aims to commence Phase 1 clinical trials for SDC-1801 in early 2022. The timing and design of the clinical trials for Covid-19 applications will be determined following consultations with experts in the field.
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