Innovation Pharmaceuticals Inc (IPIX)

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NEWS: Innovation Pharmaceuticals in Discussions to Advance Brilacidin into Human Trials Against COVID-19
WAKEFIELD, MA – April 6, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Innovation Pharmaceuticals (OTCQB: IPIX) (“the Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, announced today the Company is engaged in discussions with health care provider networks and hospitals both in the United States and Europe regarding options to rapidly advance Brilacidin testing into human trials to evaluate its potential as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) therapeutic.

Their interest in Brilacidin as a treatment for COVID-19 and associated complications is based on the drug’s promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, as supported in preliminary testing conducted in a monkey epithelial cell line and its established anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties—a potential 3-in-1 treatment combination. In advance of potential clinical testing, the Company is investigating procurement of appropriate drug supply (i.e., manufacture of intravenous drug product), and preparing for engagement with regulatory authorities. There can be no assurance that any Brilacidin for COVID-19 clinical trial will commence.

Concurrently, laboratory testing of Brilacidin against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, will continue. This is based on recommendations made by the lead researcher at one of the U.S. Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) who performed preliminary testing of Brilacidin. Results were characterized as “extremely encouraging.” Immediate next steps include conducting studies in human lung cells, exploring dosing and evaluating the drug’s effect on the viral envelope.