ImmuPharma (LON:IMM ) said a recent study conducted at Emory University Atlanta in the US suggests that its Lupuzor lupus treatment could potentially reduce symptoms of coronavirus.
The drug discovery group said the findings of the study suggested that coronavirus patients and sufferers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experiencing flares might share similar inflammatory symptoms, underpinned by similar mechanisms.
Specifically, the study has highlighted the potential for Lupuzor lupus treatment which could help to reduce or prevent the occurrence of the cytokine storm seen in coronavirus patients.
Lupuzor is a modulator of the immune response and an anti-inflammatory agent, which has activity against SLE, an autoimmune disease, as well as against other inflammatory diseases.
As a result of the findings, the group said further exploratory work is now underway to assess Lupuzor's possible potential and clinical program in Covid-19 patients.
Shares in ImmuPharma were trading 34.32% higher at 19.21p on Thursday morning.
ImmuPharma said it has already been considering the unique way that Lupuzor™ interacts with the immune system and any potential application to Covid-19.
"As the Covid-19 pandemic has unfolded, ImmuPharma has been evaluating how it can best contribute its expertise and resources to help in the global response,” said Dimitri Dimitriou, CEO and Dr Robert Zimmer, President & CSO of ImmuPharma.
They added that ImmuPharma’s technology could “help bring together a therapy that could be effective against the inflammation that causes the serious complications of Covid-19.”
Meanwhile, together with its US licencing partner, Avion Pharmaceuticals, ImmuPharma will progress Lupuzor into a new optimised international Phase III trial this year in lupus patients.
Follow News & Updates from ImmuPharma here: