AGNPF - The Promise of Ifenprodil - A Repurposed Drug Race for COVID-19
Developed in the 1970’s, Ifenprodil, a drug originally developed by Sanofi, has been sitting quietly on the approved drug list in Japan for over 45 years. Treating neurological conditions like vertigo and dizziness, it’s real potential hidden until recently, when a Canadian company may have found its new calling.
A Canadian scientist with a knack for seeing things others didn’t, identified the key receptor that the drug targets in the brain and saw that the same receptors (NMDA) are also present in lung tissue. He had a theory and convinced a company to invest in his idea. The Company was Algernon Pharmaceuticals.
The data was convincing, Ifenprodil did a better job at reducing fibrosis in a serious lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), beating the world’s two leading human treatments sold by Roche and Boehringer Ingelheim, in the same animal study, by a neck and a length, for those who bet on horse races.
Next up was an animal research study to see if Ifenprodil was antitussive (cough suppressive). Ifenprodil dramatically outperformed a track favorite called Gefapixant, Merck’s phase 3 drug, showing it up by 110% when it came to reduction of cough count and also showed a solid lead with cough onset.
With data in hand, the drug was being prepared for an IPF and chronic cough phase 2 human trial in Australia when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and an independent study surfaced. Across the ocean in the hardest hit country, Chinese researchers were testing drugs that showed an effect treating H5N1, one of the deadliest avian flu viruses known, with at 50% mortality rate. In a mouse study, Ifenprodil showed a remarkable 40% increase in survivability and reduced acute lung injury and inflammation as well.
Dr. Mark Williams had a simple insight, if it worked that well in animals with H5N1, a similar effect may be seen in people who had a less lethal form of flu called COVID-19. The hope is that Ifenprodil will reduce both the severity and duration of patients infected with the disease.
The race to test Ifenprodil in man has now started and thankfully, since the drug has been around for many years and has a proven safety history, human trials can start almost immediately.
In addition to Japan, the drug is also approved in South Korea and it didn’t take long to find investigators willing to try an off label human trial of the drug for its most seriously effected COVID-19 patients.
South Korea may be the first and hopefully others will follow, the world may have something to bet on soon. A repurposed drug called Ifenprodil is at the post.
Legal Disclaimer/Disclosure: While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our article is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. Furthermore, it is certainly possible for errors or omissions to take place regarding the profiled company, in communications, writing and/or editing. Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under any securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this article is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Baystreet.ca has been paid a fee of one thousand nine hundred dollars for Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. advertising from the company. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this article as the basis for any investment decision. By reading this communication, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer, including, but not limited to: releasing Baystreet.ca, its affiliates, assigns and successors from any and all liability, damages, and injury from the information contained in this communication. You further warrant that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome that may come from your investment decisions.