Tetra Bio-Pharma (OTCQB:TBPMF) said its drug ARDS-003 showed antiviral activity against COVID-19 in preclinical studies in mouse model.
The company said these studies explored the potential of ARDS-003 to increase survival following SARS-CoV-2 infection in humanized ACE2 mouse model.
Data showed that compared to placebo, ARDS-003 dose dependently reduced signs of morbidity and mortality, including respiratory distress, Tetra said in an Aug. 10 press release.
Under secondary goals, ARDS-003 also outperformed an antiviral drug in reducing multiple proinflammatory mediators (cytokines) involved in hyperinflammation and immune system dysfunction following viral infection, the company added.
In addition, Tetra said that in a recent septic lung model, ARDS-003 produced a significant reduction of systemic cytokine/chemokine release, plus lung histology improved, peripheral immune hyper activation was reduced, and there was an improvement in capillary perfusion in lung tissue compared to controls.
"ARDS-003, for example, could be used as an adjunct to Paxlovid or other antivirals to help reduce the morbidities associated with prolonged infection by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses," said Tetra CEO and CRO Guy Chamberland.