ImmuPharma’s efforts in the fight against Covid-19 with Lupuzor and Ureka

ImmuPharma PLC (LON:IMM), the specialist drug discovery and development company, today provided a progress update on activities around Covid-19.

On 30 March 2020, ImmuPharma announced that it had expanded its pipeline to include three new ‘Anti-Infective’ programs, one of which was in ‘Antivirals’. Investigation of the application of the Ureka peptide technologies within this Antivirals program suggests the potential to create effective anti-fusion peptides with the goal to prevent virus entry into the host cells, which may lead to novel peptide based antiviral therapies. Further exploratory work continues on this program.

As part of an overall evaluation of how we might apply our patented technologies to the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic, within our ‘Autoimmunity’ therapy  area, we have also been considering the unique way that Lupuzor™ interacts with the immune system and any potential application to Covid-19.

In this respect we note the results* of a recent study conducted at Emory University Atlanta GA,  suggesting that Covid-19 (SARS-COV-2) patients and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experiencing flares might share similar inflammatory symptoms, underpinned by similar mechanisms (role of cytokines). Lupuzor™ is a modulator of the immune response and an anti-inflammatory agent, which has activity against SLE (lupus), an autoimmune disease, as well as against other inflammatory diseases. ImmuPharma, together with its US licencing partner, Avion Pharmaceuticals, will be progressing  Lupuzor™ into a new optimised international Phase III trial this year in lupus patients.

*“Critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients display lupus-like hallmarks of extraordinary B cell activation” -https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.29.20083717.

Given the findings of the Atlanta research group, we postulate that Lupuzor™ may help to reduce or perhaps prevent the occurrence of the cytokine storm seen in Covid-19 patients. Further exploratory work is ongoing to assess Lupuzor’s™ possible potential and clinical program in Covid-19 patients.

Commenting on the announcement, Dimitri Dimitriou, CEO and Dr Robert Zimmer, President & CSO of ImmuPharma said: “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. Using our longstanding knowledge of peptide based technology, provides us with a number of opportunities, to help bring together a therapy that could be effective against the inflammation that causes the serious complications of Covid-19. We look forward to providing further updates when appropriate”.   

Click to view all articles for the EPIC:
Or click to view the full company profile:
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Immupharma Plc

    More articles like this

    Immupharma Plc

    Learning About Lupus

    May is Lupus Awareness Month. It is a disease that is relatively common in the Caribbean yet many of us are unfamiliar with the condition. Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect almost every system

    Immupharma Plc

    ImmuPharma Change of Registered Office Address

    ImmuPharma PLC (LON:IMM), the specialist drug discovery and development company, has today announced that with immediate effect, its registered office address has been changed to: One Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7BL.

    Immupharma Plc

    ImmuPharma Change of AGM Venue

    ImmuPharma PLC (LON:IMM), the specialist drug discovery and development company, today announced that the Company’s Annual General Meeting confirmed for Thursday, 18 June 2020 @ 10.30am, will now be held at: 52 Grosvenor Garden, London SW1W 0AU. The COVID-19

    Immupharma Plc

    Lupus Latest Facts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

    Lupus is a relatively rare inflammatory disease. In the US 1.5 million are currently living with the condition. It is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain. What

    Immupharma Plc

    Selena Gomez urges fans to join the fight against Lupus

    US singer Selena Gomez has urged her fans across the world to join the fight against Lupus, an autoimmune disease. The disease leads to the body’s immune system becoming hyperactive, attacking normal and healthy tissues. On

    Immupharma Plc

    Understanding Lupus

    Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections

    Immupharma Plc

    What to know about COVID-19 and lupus

    Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks its own tissues. People with lupus are at higher risk of infections, and those with lupus who develop COVID-19 may be at higher risk

    Immupharma Plc

    Frequently asked questions: coronavirus (COVID-19) and lupus

    Our Health Educator Network—health-care professionals and lupus specialists who provide individualized answers—have seen their inquires triple in the last week. The following are questions they’ve been frequently asked and their answers. Should I wear a facemask?

    Immupharma Plc

    Are People with Lupus Protected Against COVID-19?

    There is no evidence that taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is effective in preventing a person from contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19). People with lupus should follow the guidance of their doctor and the safety guidelines being issued by

    Immupharma Plc

    Dr Miriam Stoppard on Lupus

    Lupus isn’t that common but when it strikes it can be very ­serious, even life-threatening. The story of the singer and ­actress Selena Gomez is a case in point. All lupus sufferers will be grateful to her because