November 2, 2020 -- Immunic has enrolled 200 patients in a phase II trial for its selective oral dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor IMU-838 for the treatment of moderate COVID-19.
The trial is investigating IMU-838 as a treatment for hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 and as a potential treatment for future viral pandemic threats. The trial is being conducted under an investigational new drug application granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company anticipates results for the phase II trial to be available in early 2021. At this point, the company will assess if the trial can be expanded into a confirmatory phase III trial.
IMU-838 inhibits the intracellular metabolism of activated immune cells by blocking the enzyme DHODH. It acts on activated T and B cells, leaving other immune cells largely unaffected, and allows the immune system to stay functioning.