UC researchers to study drug’s effects on COVID-19 patients

Participants or their health proxy must give written informed consent to enroll in the trial.

“COVID-19 enters the body through the nose and back of the mouth and then travels to the upper and lower respiratory tracts,” says Richard Becker, MD, a UC Health cardiologist and director of the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute. “In serious cases, the virus causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the lungs.”

The study drug is designed to target the pulmonary vasculature, with a goal of reducing inflammation, preserving artery and vein function and reducing capillary leak as a contributor for acute respiratory distress syndrome. That condition is characterized by severe shortness of breath often requiring a respirator for patients.

Becker, a professor of medicine in the UC College of Medicine, is principal investigator of the study at UC and is collaborating with co-principal investigator Duncan Hite, MD, director of medical critical care at UC Health and professor in the UC College of Medicine.

“Over the past few months, we have learned that vascular complications in COVID-19 are very common and more treatment options targeting this important component are needed to further reduce the burden of this infection on our society,” says Hite. “In addition to exciting and unique biologic targets on which this trial is focused, the study also provides a great opportunity to work closely with an innovative company local to our community.”

“By maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of blood clotting and acute respiratory distress syndrome is possible,” says Becker. “Razuprotafib takes a very targeted and science-based approach and that’s why there is so much excitement around this study. The drug may also reduce lung inflammation and exert an antiviral effect. The patients eligible for the study have COVID-19 and they are sick enough to be hospitalized and need supplemental oxygen.”

Razuprotafib activates Tie2 receptor proteins on the surface of endothelial cells to bind to angiopoietins to support endothelial viability and function and are needed to form, repair and stabilize blood vessels. Pre-clinical studies and clinical data from Aerpio suggest promise for the drug in aiding COVID-19 patients.

The study is funded by the U.S government through the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) and Aerpio Pharmaceuticals.

Investigators report no conflicts of interest in this study.