Pneumagen Shares Positive Phase 2 Influenza Study Results on Neumifil at ATS 2024 Conference

Pneumagen, a clinical-stage biotech company located in St Andrews, UK, has publicized promising Phase 2 results for its broad-spectrum antiviral drug, Neumifil (HEX17). Neumifil, administered intranasally, is being developed for the prophylaxis and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs). These findings were shared during an oral presentation by Dr. Geoff Kitson, Chief Medical Officer at Pneumagen, at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) meeting in San Diego on May 21, 2024.

The Phase 2 study employed a Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) where healthy volunteers were exposed to the influenza virus post-administration of Neumifil. This study was randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, conducted at a single UK center. Participants received Neumifil either as a single dose three days prior to exposure or as three daily doses leading up to exposure. The results were significant, demonstrating that Neumifil led to a notable reduction in both the incidence and severity of symptomatic influenza infections compared to a placebo. Additionally, it considerably decreased viral load, reinforcing its potential as an effective antiviral intervention.

Douglas Thomson, CEO of Pneumagen, expressed enthusiasm about the results, highlighting their importance in advancing Neumifil to subsequent clinical trials. These future trials will likely include studies on its efficacy in reducing exacerbations in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who are particularly vulnerable to viral infections.

Dr. Kitson emphasized the global concern posed by viral respiratory infections, especially for patients with underlying pulmonary conditions. He underscored the potential of Neumifil to alleviate patient symptoms and inhibit virus spread within communities. The drug's broad-spectrum antiviral activity points to its potential as a critical preventative therapeutic for exacerbations in individuals with COPD or asthma.

The safety and tolerability of Neumifil were consistent with previous human studies, further supporting its potential for broader clinical application. This aligns with Pneumagen's strategy to leverage these positive results, alongside preclinical data, to expedite Neumifil’s development as a versatile antiviral treatment against various viral infections.

Neumifil operates through a novel mechanism, utilizing Pneumagen’s proprietary GlycoTarge™ technology. This engineered Carbohydrate Binding Module (mCBM) directly binds to viral pathogens, preventing their entry into host cells. The ongoing development of Neumifil is part of Pneumagen's broader effort to create a pipeline of antiviral therapies targeting diverse infectious diseases using the GlycoTarge™ platform.

Pneumagen, founded in 2016 as a spin-out from the University of St Andrews, benefits from extensive scientific expertise in viral infections, particularly in glycobiology. This foundation has enabled the company to make significant strides in the development of innovative antiviral treatments.

The positive Phase 2 data for Neumifil mark a significant milestone for Pneumagen, validating the drug's efficacy and safety profile and setting the stage for its advancement into more comprehensive clinical studies. These future investigations will aim to confirm Neumifil’s potential to become a key therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of RTIs, especially in high-risk patient populations.