Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc (AGNPF)

[medchem]

Nice catch: Lets analyze this...

NP-120 (Ifenprodil) is an N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NDMA) inhibitor that is specific for the NR2B subunit of the NMDA Receptor. The NMDA receptor, and specifically the NR2B subunit, is involved in glutamate signaling, and is expressed on both neutrophils and T cells. In the case of neutrophils, activation of the NMDA receptor can (1) result in expression of CD11b which targets neutrophils via ICAM-1 to areas of inflammation, and (2) trigger the autocrine release of glutamate. In the case of T-cells, activation of T cells via glutamate can cause (1) T cell proliferation and, (2) the release of cytokines. The activation of T cells and cytokine release can be blocked in vitro by the addition of Ifenprodil. As such it could be a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Less neutrophils... means less immune cells infiltrating the site of infection in the lungs. Less inflammation means less acute lung injury, means better oxygen delivery and less breathing problems.

Too much glutamate turns on the T-cells (also inflammatory cells) which can trigger cytokine storm (cytokines are the worrisome part of inflammation that causes COVID patients to get really SICK and have trouble breathing. They cause problems with oxygen, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.

Ifenprodil blocks these problematic issues. The hope is that it translates to improved oxygen delivery in the lungs. LUNG PROTECTION is the key. This is also why I have faith this will be the next big chronic cough drug.

Ifenprodil was discovered by a genome wide RNAi assay to uncover gene targets associated with cytoprotective activity against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza, specifically by preserving cell viability in vitro. When tested in a murine model of H5N1, the drug at clinically relevant doses: (1) improved survivability from 0% at day 6 to 40% day 14 post-infection, (2) the drug significantly reduced edema and lung injury score and (3) reduced infiltrating T cells, neutrophils and NK cells and attenuated the 'cytokine storm'. The mortality rate of H5N1 in humans is >50%, whereas the mortality rate of COVID-19 infected patients is < 5%, and both viruses cause acute lung injury and share similar pulmonary pathologies. NP-120 has also been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory responses and reduce pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a complication which can occur after a respiratory virus infection.

Based on the fact that H5N1 has a significantly higher mortality rate than COVID-19 but still shares similar lung pathologies, Algernon Pharmaceuticals believes Ifenprodil could reduce lung injury associated with COVID-19 infection, thereby improving lung function and accelerating patient recovery.

The purpose of this Phase 2b/3 trial is to determine the safety and efficacy of NP-120 in the treatment of COVID-19 infection.

Read above... the drug improved mortality by 40%. FORTY PERCENT. If this drug improves anything re: COVID by 40% this will become the first line treatment hands down. Do you know what that means? RICHES. However, keep in mind that with H5N1, mortality is the big issues. With COVID the big issue is more so the ARDS or acute lung injury. However, it's the mechanisms described above that ifenprodil works on to decrease lung injury. Both viruses cause lung injury. If ifenprodil works for COVID, you can BET they will test it for influenza! Also keep in mind, these are animal studies we have showing this safe drug works, not just laboratory science testing but straight up animal tests, thats the closest step before testing in humans. At the end of the day, the drug is safe, thats what phase 3 usually studies. So this just means that if the phase 2 data is positive, we are guaranteed riches.

And don't forget, there are firms who put several million into this. Novotech is leading the charge on the front line.