Erdosteine Being Studied as Treatment for COVID-19 Patients in Italy

Alitair Pharmaceuticals would like to alert our shareholders and stakeholders that Recipharm, our in-licensing partner for ALT-09 (ERDOSTEINE), announced that it initiated an ERDOSTEINE clinical trial in COVID-19 patients in Italy. ERDOSTEINE, a Recipharm proprietary small molecule, is being tested as part of a COVID-19 post-discharge treatment protocol. The clinical trial evaluates several health outcomes as primary and secondary endpoints and was initiated April 8, 2020. More details can be found by clicking this link to the Recipharm Press Release.

In parallel, Alitair is actively evaluating opportunities for ALT-09 (ERDOSTEINE) for the symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 patients in the United States. Alitair is in active communication with our Recipharm colleagues and will be watching this trial closely. As a reminder, Alitair holds an open IND for ALT-09 (ERDOSTEINE) with FDA; however, the medicine is not yet approved by U.S. regulatory agencies for any indication and is not yet available in the United States.

According to Frank Koos, SVP of Corporate and Business Development for Alitair and the lead executive responsible for the Recipharm relationship, the company is evaluating all opportunities for ALT-09 (ERDOSTEINE) in treating COVID-19 patients including grants from U.S. government agencies, collaborations with other biopharma companies and deal structures with potential funders. “Alitair is excited to see Recipharm step up and initiate this important clinical trial in COVID-19 patients discharged from the hospital” said Koos. He also noted “Alitair is committed to moving forward in bronchiectasis as we have an Orphan Drug designation, an open IND and Phase II readiness; however, given the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we want to join the effort to help provide medicines to COVID-19 patients. Accordingly, we are currently focused on identifying the best path forward to investigate ERDOSTEINE’s potential as a treatment during this public health crisis.” Alitair holds exclusive rights to Recipharm’s ERDOSTEINE in the United States and Canada as well as other rights in select markets such as South Korea and Japan.  

Recipharm noted in their Press Release that the first results from its ERDOSTEINE trial could be known in as little as 100 days. As the Alitair plans are solidified, we will keep our shareholders and stakeholders informed about this important endeavor with COVID-19 patients.  

Please refer to the Alitair Forward-Looking Statement found on this website for full disclosures.