Lipigon Pharmaceuticals has signed agreements with the two universities to develop a new drug that can potentially reduce the number of deaths linked to COVID-19.

The Umeå-based company has signed an agreement with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Shenzhen to test whether one of its drug candidates, which blocks a protein that is very active in ARDS and other types of lung infections, is an effective treatment.

“Right now there are very few treatments available for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which can be fatal to some COVID-19 patients. The standard treatment is oxygen and the use of respirators. We hope to change that,” says Lipogon’s CEO, Stefan K Nilsson. “The treatment can be beneficial for COVID-19 patients as well as for those who suffer from seasonal flu because it works in the same way. It might also provide relief for those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). If our treatment works it can be significant for millions of patients every year.”

Human trials

His hope is that the research will allow Lipigon to start human trials of its drug candidate sooner.

The company recently signed an agreement with the Shanghai Stock Exchange-listed company HitGen to develop drug candidates that can treat lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease. It also raised SEK 16.6 million in a new share issue last summer.

Photo of Stefan K Nilsson: Ola Jacobsen