The small molecule is an inhibitor of the cytokine storms induced by COVID-19. It has been shown to safely modulate the natural immune response by reducing various cytokines which can be more harmful than the virus. The drug candidate will be offered as an affordable oral therapeutic that can be given in combination with other therapies.

The $250,000 investment from the Richard King Mellon Foundation will help accelerate the clinical development of GP1681, which is slotted to start phase I/II human clinical trials later this year. This investment is part of the foundation's $25 million Pandemic Solutions Package.

Ampio begins COVID-19 phase I clinical trial for immunotherapy
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