Ethris' mRNA Asthma Drug Boosts Protein Safely, Early Data Reveal

Ethris has announced promising interim results for its novel mRNA-based treatment, ETH47, aimed at preventing viral infections in individuals with uncontrolled asthma. These findings came from Phase 1 trials and suggest that ETH47 is both safe and effective in increasing the expression of the target protein, interferon lambda (IFNλ). The full results from this trial are expected to be released in the third quarter of 2024.

Dr. Eric Bateman, a board member of the Global Initiative for Asthma, highlighted the potential impact of Ethris' mRNA product, emphasizing its potential to address a significant gap in asthma treatment. Asthma exacerbations are often triggered by viral infections, particularly rhinovirus, and individuals with uncontrolled asthma are especially vulnerable due to a unique inflammatory response in their lungs, which disrupts the production of interferons like IFNλ.

ETH47 is administered nasally and functions by boosting IFNλ levels in the respiratory tract. This approach leverages Ethris’ innovative lipidoid nanoparticle (SNaP LNP) delivery system, which facilitates the efficient delivery of mRNA to the lungs. Lipidoids are akin to lipid particles utilized in COVID-19 vaccines, but are tailored for delivery via both inhalation and muscular injection.

The company reported no severe or drug-related adverse events across any doses tested, underlining the safety of ETH47. This data not only supports the effectiveness of ETH47 but also marks the first clinical validation of Ethris' stabilized non-immunogenic mRNA (SNIM RNA) platform. This platform underpins Ethris’ broader therapeutic ambitions, including a program targeting primary ciliary dyskinesia, for which three drugs are currently in development.

The development of ETH47 has been financially supported by the Gates Foundation, which contributed $5 million to aid in advancing the drug to Phase 2 trials and to enhance manufacturing capabilities. This funding includes an equity component to be finalized in Ethris’ upcoming funding round. In February 2022, Ethris successfully raised $26.3 million in a Series B funding round.

Ethris' technological advancements extend beyond ETH47. In 2017, the company entered a €25 million ($29 million) collaboration with AstraZeneca to develop respiratory disease therapies using SNIM RNA technology. This five-year agreement was set to expire in 2022, and it remains unclear if the collaboration continues. Efforts to obtain comments on the current status of this partnership are ongoing.

Overall, the interim results for ETH47 represent a significant milestone for Ethris, potentially offering a new therapeutic avenue for individuals suffering from uncontrolled asthma and setting the stage for further advancements in mRNA-based treatments.