Relief Therapeutics Inc. (OTCMKTS: RLFTF) has announced that NRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: NRXP), its collaboration partner, and Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative have commenced patient treatment with inhaled Aviptadil in phase 2 adaptive platform trial, I-SPY COVID Trial, in enhancing treatment for critically and severely ill SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Relief Therapeutics’ flagship drug candidate evaluated for COVID-19 treatment
The company develops molecules-based clinical-stage programs with historical clinical testing and use for human patients. Its flagship drug candidate, Aviptadil (RLF-100), is a Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) synthetic formulation in late-stage clinical studies in the US to treat COVID-19-caused respiratory deficiency.
The I-SPY COVID-19 Trial will employ Quantum Leap’s adaptive study design methodology platform that focuses on the efficient evaluation of several experimental agents simultaneously. The study aims to screen a range of promising agents for critically and severely ill COVID-19 patients’ treatment. Most importantly, it seeks to identify high-impact agents in reducing mortality and the duration and need for mechanical ventilation.
NRx testing nebulized Aviptdail delivery
Dr. Laura Esserman, the co-principal investigator of the I-SPY COVID Trial, said, “Based on demonstrating safety and improved time to recovery with intravenous administration in early stages of SARS-CoV-2, Aviptadil is being tested in the ACTIV trials for COVID. We are excited to partner with NRx to test whether nebulized delivery of Aviptadil, which is more easily and directly delivered to the damaged lungs, improves time to recovery and reduces mortality.”
NRx CEO and Chairman Jonathan Javitt said that the selection for the I-SPY platform is a massive milestone for NRx, and it gives the company the chance to work with some of the best scientists and physicians. He added that they are looking forward to submitting data to regulatory agencies pending the trial’s outcome.
