MetrioPharm AG: MetrioPharm Doses First Patient in Phase II Study of MP1032 in COVID-19

Zürich (pta025/19.10.2021/12:30 UTC+2)

• First patient was randomized in Phase II trial

• Study aims to demonstrate mode of action (MoA) of MP1032 in patients with COVID-19

• Study design comprises sites in Europe and the U.S.

Zurich, October 19, 2021. MetrioPharm AG, a pharmaceutical company developing drugs for inflammatory diseases, announces today that it has dosed the first patient in a phase II study for its lead compound MP1032 against COVID-19. The study’s target is to determine if MP1032’s anti-inflammatory effect can slow down the spread of the virus in recently hospitalized patients with moderate to severe coronavirus disease, as well as alleviate COVID-19 symptoms.

MetrioPharm’s Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Dr. Wolfgang Brysch comments: "MetrioPharm’s preclinical data suggest that our lead compound MP1032 is able to rebalance the patient’s hyper-inflammation, as well as reduce the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread in the body. The study focuses on moderately to severely ill patients, that have been recently hospitalized. This study design makes it possible to draw conclusions about efficacy even in smaller numbers of patients. In the medium and long term, we also see potential for MP1032 in the treatment of early disease stages and even in prophylaxis. With hyper-inflammation being one of the crucial factors in severe COVID-19 cases, we hope to contribute to treatment efforts, soon."

The study aims to recruit about 120 patients in an early stage of hospitalization. Approximately 80 patients will receive MP1032 at a dose of 300 mg twice a day plus standard of care and about 40 patients will receive placebo plus standard of care. The trial is designed to be conducted in Romania, Hungary, Spain, France, and Italy, among others. MetrioPharm has also submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which was granted "Study May Proceed" status by the FDA in August 2021 and is hence seeking to expand the trial to clinical sites in the United States.

In addition to confirming the safety of MP1032, the primary efficacy endpoint will be the percentage of participants with improved disease symptoms at Day 14, while undergoing treatment with MP1032. First topline data are expected as of H2 2022.

MetrioPharm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thomas Christély states: "MetrioPharm’s lead compound MP1032 has already demonstrated in several indications driven by chronic inflammatory processes that oxidative stress was stopped and inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12 and others were downregulated. This should also demonstrate a positive effect in COVID-19 patients from an early stage of the disease and thus avoid severe COVID-19 progressions, especially since MP1032, being the first immune modulator, does not lead to a suppression of the immune system."

In a previous Phase II study, MP1032 has already displayed a very good safety profile at 300 mg twice daily and demonstrated pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.

About MetrioPharm AG 

MetrioPharm AG is a pharmaceutical development company that develops drugs against inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory diseases represent the greatest individual health risk. One of MetrioPharm AG's goals is to make the therapies of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases more effective and tolerable. In doing so, 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 extend the healthy lifespan for millions of people. MetrioPharm AG is based in Zurich and has a subsidiary for R&D activities in Berlin.

About MP1032 

MP1032 is a novel small molecule ROS scavenger that is targeted at activated macrophages and inflamed tissues. The molecule acts as a self-regulating modulator to reduce cellular oxidative stress and the resulting inflammatory markers: due to its molecular structure, MP1032 is only active when it is exposed to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The molecule changes from its inert state (inactive) to a deprotonated form (activated); in this process only excess ROS are neutralized. Due to its self-regulated mode of activation, the effect of MP1032 is limited solely to the site of inflammation. MP1032 acts at the top of the inflammatory cascade and has demonstrated broad anti-inflammatory and anti-infective activity, as well as an excellent safety profile in preclinical and clinical studies.

Forward-looking statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are consistent with MetrioPharm AG's 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. No liability or warranty, and no claim, if any, is made with respect to the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of such data and information, and no reliance should be placed on such data and information, 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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Emitter:	MetrioPharm AG Bleicherweg 10 8002 Zürich Switzerland
Contact Person:	Lia Petridou
Phone:	+49 30 33 84 395 53
E-Mail:	l.petridou@metriopharm.com
Website:	www.metriopharm.com
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