MetrioPharm AG: Long-term Toxicology Studies Confirm Very Good Safety Profile of MP1032

Zurich (pta033/08.04.2021/12:15 UTC+2)

• Positive results allow MetrioPharm for long-term treatments in future clinical trials
• The further development of the lead compound MP1032 in chronic indications is therefore enabled

Zurich, April 08, 2021. MetrioPharm AG, a pharmaceutical company developing drugs for chronic inflammatory diseases, reports positive results from two long-term preclinical toxicology studies in the rat and the dog. They respectively lasted six and 12 months. The results confirm the very good safety profile of MetrioPharm's lead compound MP1032. They allow for long-term clinical studies in chronic indications to be conducted in the future. The positive completion of the long-term toxicology studies therefore signifies an important milestone in the development program of MP1032. 

In each of the two trials, different doses (low-dose, mid-dose, high-dose) of MP1032 were administered orally to four experimental groups, including a control group. In the rat, two doses per 100 mg/kg body weight, 500 mg/kg body weight and 1000 mg/kg body weight, were administered per day. Analogically, the doses in the dog were 25mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg. All animals in both experimental batches were examined daily during the study for toxicological side effects. Simultaneously macroscopic and histopathological analyses were conducted. Their results confirmed the excellent safety profile of MP1032. Very good tolerability of the compound was observed with respect to all factors investigated. 

Dr. Wolfgang Brysch, CEO of MetrioPharm AG, commented: "These results are another significant stride for us. We can now explore long-term administration of MP1032 in humans. This opens up further essential opportunities for the company to advance our innovative compound MP1032 in a sustainable and all-encompassing way to combat chronic inflammatory diseases."

About MetrioPharm AG

MetrioPharm AG is a pharmaceutical development company focusing on drugs for chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Such chronic diseases pose the greatest individual health risk. The goal of MetrioPharm AG is to make the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases more effective and more tolerable. We hope to achieve a healthspan expansion for patients: We want to stop the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases as early as possible and significantly prolong the healthy lifespan of millions of people.

MetrioPharm was founded in 2007 with headquarters in Zurich. The company has its R&D activities in Berlin.

About MP1032

MP1032 is the lead compound of a class of proprietary immune modulators developed by MetrioPharm AG. MP1032 is believed to modulate the oxidative stress-mediated activation state of macrophages and downregulate the M1 state. In contrast to other immune-modulating and disease-modifying drugs, MP1032 does not impact T-cells and preferentially affects macrophages at the sites of inflammation. MP1032 has shown anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of disease and a favorable toxicology profile in pre-clinical studies.

For the first Phase II study with MP1032, the indication psoriasis was selected because this immune-induced inflammatory disease is regarded as a so-called »door-opener indication«. Successes in the treatment of psoriasis have already led to first indications of promise for use in other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

In a preclinical study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science, MP1032 was shown to exert both potent immunomodulatory effects on ROS and SARS-CoV-2-specific antiviral properties. MetrioPharm's lead compound thus has the potential to both slow viral spread in the body and alleviate Covid-19 symptoms. A Phase II clinical trial in Covid-19 patients is being prepared for the first half of 2021.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are consistent with MetrioPharm AGs assessment as of the date of this release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond MetrioPharm AGs control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. MetrioPharm does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements with respect to changed expectations or new events, conditions or circumstances on which these statements are based. A liability or guarantee and, if applicable, claims for topicality, correctness and completeness of these data and information are excluded and cannot be derived either explicitly or impliedly.

Your Contact

Lia Petridou Corporate Communications &  Press Relations   T +49 (0) 30 33 84 395 53 F +49 (0) 30 33 84 395 99 E presse@metriopharm.com W www.metriopharm.com

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