The biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Seoul expands the legal protection of EC-18 drug to the USA after the starting trial in South Korea
On March 17, 2020, Enzychem Lifesceices announced that it was advancing a domestic clinical trial of EC-18, a new coronavirus treatment candidate, in South Korea. The drug’s mechanism removes pathogens of viruses by enabling immune cells to engulf the virus or bacteria. In addition, EC-18 has high efficacy to reduce the gathering of inflammatory cells due to rapid removal of damage associated molecular pattern, and the compound also prevents tissue damage produced by the sudden activity inflammatory cells.
On April 10, 2020, the company announced that it has filed a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) covering treating COVID-19 infections and symptoms using EC-18. “We are excited to advance EC-18 as a potent drug candidate against COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus, to improve patient health,” said Ki Young Sohn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enzychem Lifesciences.
“We believe EC-18 can resolve inflammation by allowing complete viral clearance while minimizing tissue damage. EC-18 may quickly neutralize SARS-CoV-2, by preventing cytokine storm or acute respiratory distress syndrome, based on its mechanism of action.” Enzychem is currently seeking appropriate partners to develop and commercialize EC-18 worldwide as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
EC-18 is in development for a variety of indications including Chemoradiation Induced Oral Mucositis (CRIOM), Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia (CIN) and Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). Enzychem Lifesciences was awarded U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for EC-18 in CRIOM and FDA Orphan Drug Designation in ARS. CRIOM and CIN are in Phase II clinical trials and a pivotal study evaluating EC-18 in ARS is expected to begin under FDA’s animal rule guidance.