- Reduced the levels of key inflammatory cytokine markers
- Reduced fibrosis when the lung tissue was analyzed
- Reduced the effects of fibrosis-associated inflammatory pathways
OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2020 / Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. ("Tetra" or the "Company") (TSX:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF), a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development, announced the results of an experimental study of its ARDS-003 investigational new drug in a model of lung injury.
Tetra Bio-Pharma has recently completed pre-clinical studies demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect of its investigational new drug, ARDS-003, in an animal model of lung injury known as "induced pulmonary fibrosis" (IPF). Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue is scarred, often as a result of extreme or prolonged inflammation, and results in a stiffening of lung tissue that may lead to respiratory problems and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure. While human conditions associated with lung injury may be caused by autoimmune disorders or viral infections, application of inflammatory agents such as bleomycin has been shown to induce similar effects in animal models.
To-date, no animal model of COVID-19 has been established and widely accepted as recapitulating the clinical disease seen following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, alternative models of inflammation-driven respiratory conditions leading to pulmonary fibrosis are currently being used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments to mitigate the organ disfunction seen in COVID-19. Administration of ARDS-003 to animals in which lung tissue has been inflamed, using the bleomycin induced IPF model, has produced promising results. ARDS-003 was able to reduce the levels of key inflammatory cytokine markers, such as IL-6. Importantly, this anti-inflammatory effect was reflected in a reduced fibrosis when the lung tissue was analyzed after 20 days of treatment.
To further confirm that a comparable effect may occur in humans, ARDS-003 was studied using models of inflammation in human lung cells and was similarly found to reduce the effects of fibrosis-associated inflammatory pathways. Together, these results present positive evidence for the use of ARDS-003 as an experimental therapeutic treatment for patients with severe inflammatory disorders such as COVID-19.
Dr. Guy Chamberland, CEO and CRO commented, "ARDS-003 is an investigational new drug designed to dampen the cytokine release syndrome and prevent the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a serious, life-threatening condition that develops as a result of infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We will soon be submitting the application for our Phase I clinical trial to demonstrate safety in healthy volunteers and define the pharmacokinetic profile of ARDS-003 prior to initiating studies in patients with COVID-19. The Company is not making any expressed or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure and/or contain the COVID-19 or the SARS-CoV-2 virus at this time."
About Tetra Bio-Pharma
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX:TBP)(OTCQB:TBPMF), is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a FDA and a Health Canada approved clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. Our evidence-based scientific approach has enabled us to develop a pipeline of cannabinoid-based drug products for a range of medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and oncology. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing biopharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.
For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com
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Forward-looking statements
Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company's research and development strategies, including the success of this product or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.
For further information, please contact Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.:
Investor Contact:
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc
Dr. Guy Chamberland, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: + 1 (833) 977-7575
[email protected]
Alpha Bronze, LLC
Mr. Pascal Nigen
Phone: + 1 (646) 255-0433
[email protected]
Media Contact:
energi PR
Ms. Carol Levine APR, FCPRS
Phone: + 1 (416) 425-9143 ext. 226
Mobile: + 1 (514) 703-0256
[email protected]
SOURCE: Tetra Bio-Pharma