Algernon Receives Regulatory and Ethics Approval for Phase 2 Ifenprodil COVID-19 Human Study in South Korea

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW) (OTCQB: AGNPF) (the Company or Algernon) a clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea, as well as ethics approval, for an investigator-led, Phase 2 COVID-19 clinical study of its re-purposed drug NP-120 (Ifenprodil), an NMDA receptor antagonist.

The Lead Principal Investigator is Dr. Dong Sik Jung, Professor, in the Division of Infectious Disease of Dong-A University Hospital, Busan.

The 40-patient, 4-week trial, is designed to test the effect of Ifenprodil in COVID-19 infected patients with severe pneumonia. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either standard of care (SOC) or SOC with Ifenprodil. The primary endpoint will be the rate at which their lung function improves by measuring oxygen levels in the blood (Pa02/Fi02). Secondary endpoints will include mortality, rate of mechanical ventilation, and patient reported effects on cough and breathlessness (dyspnea). 

Enrollment in the phase 2 clinical trial is expected to begin on May 8, 2020.

This first human trial of Ifenprodil in COVID-19 patients is a major step forward with our new acute lung injury clinical research program, said Christopher J. Moreau CEO of Algernon. Positive Phase 2 data would be an important milestone as we continue to investigate Ifenprodils therapeutic potential as a treatment for COVID-19, in addition to advancing our idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic cough program.

The Company cautions that while it is preparing to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial shortly in South Korea, it is not making any express or implied claims that NP-120 (Ifenprodil) is an effective treatment for acute lung injury (ALI), the COVID-19 virus, or any other medical condition at this time.

About NP-120 (Ifenprodil)

NP-120 (Ifenprodil) is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist specifically targeting the NMDA-type subunit 2B (Glu2NB). Ifenprodil prevents glutamate signalling. The NMDA receptor is found on many tissues including lung cells and T-cells, neutrophils.

The Company believes NP-120 can reduce the infiltration of neutrophils and T-cells into the lungs where they can release glutamate and cytokines respectively. The latter can result in the highly problematic cytokine storm that contributes to the loss of lung function and ultimately death as has been reported in COVID-19 infected patients. 

About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

Algernon is a drug re-purposing company that investigates safe, already approved drugs for new disease applications, moving them efficiently and safely into new human trials, developing new formulations and seeking new regulatory approvals in global markets. Algernon specifically investigates compounds that have never been approved in the U.S. or Europe to avoid off label prescription writing.

Algernon has filed new intellectual property rights globally for NP-120 (Ifenprodil) for the treatment of respiratory diseases and is working to develop a proprietary injectable and slow release formulation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher J. Moreau
CEO
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
604.398.4175 ext 701
info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com 
investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com 
www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com  

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