The partnership will focus on rapid development of CytoAgents' lead COVID-19 drug candidate, GP1681, for phase I and II trials in 2020. The candidate is a small-molecule inhibitor of cytokine release in activated human immune cells that shows potential in blocking the "cytokine storms" associated with severe illness in COVID-19 cases.

Under the agreement, CytoAgents will use Quotient's formulation and manufacturing expertise to develop and rapidly supply drug product for clinical trials. Quotient will also work to develop a scalable solid oral dosage form for larger patient trials. The program will be conducted at Quotient's specialized drug handling and containment facility in Pennsylvania.

Theravance's Janus kinase inhibitor enters phase I for ARDS
Biopharmaceutical company Theravance Biopharma has begun a phase I study in the U.K. for a drug to help prevent the development of acute respiratory distress...