CounterCOVID study shows imatinib significantly reduces mortality by 49% in patients with COVID-19
- Results published on Friday 18 June by Exvastat’s collaborator in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine show that oral imatinib, currently used to treat cancers, reduces mortality by 49% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The results of the world-first trial, led by VUmc, Amsterdam, could signify another option in the management of COVID-19 to protect lives
- Exvastat, funded by Cambridge Innovation Capital, has licensed exclusive rights from VUmc to develop Impentri™ (intravenous imatinib) as a first-in-class pharmacotherapy for COVID-19 pneumonia and all-cause Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Cambridge, UK [Monday, 21 June 2021]: Exvastat Limited welcomes the publication of the CounterCOVID study results in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine showing that oral imatinib significantly reduces COVID-19 mortality. The randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, clinical trial evaluated oral imatinib in 385 patients with severe COVID-19 and was conducted across 13 hospitals in the Netherlands. The study was run by the Vrije Universiteit medical center (VUmc) in Amsterdam and part-funded by the European Union Innovative Medicines Initiative 2, awarded to a consortium coordinated by Exvastat.
Imatinib is currently used to treat several different cancers and Exvastat is exploring its use in a novel intravenous formulation, optimized specifically for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), such as in critical COVID-19 disease. These patients are often unable to swallow and are at high risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction or malabsorption, making oral imatinib unsuitable. Exvastat, a Cambridge-based start-up, funded by Cambridge Innovation Capital, believe that the results of this study provide the proof of concept that will underpin the development of Impentri™ as a therapy for both COVID-19 and all-cause ARDS.
The CounterCOVID study is the first randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of imatinib in hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen. A statistically and clinically significant 49% reduction in 28-day mortality was observed in patients receiving imatinib compared with patients receiving placebo; similar percentage reductions in duration of mechanical ventilation and days in ICU were reported, and also statistically significant. There were fewer adverse events of Grade III or IV severity in the imatinib group than in the placebo group.
Dr David Cavalla, CEO, Exvastat said “The magnitude of benefit seen in this well-controlled trial is extremely encouraging and provides a strong rationale for the further investigation of Impentri™ by Exvastat as a therapeutic for patients with severe or critical Covid-19 infection and the broader population of patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). We are actively reviewing future development plans and we are discussing these data with the regulatory agencies.”
Dr Robert Tansley, Chairperson, Exvastat and Partner, Cambridge Innovation Capital, said “We congratulate VUmc and their Dutch collaborators on this high-quality study that offers the potential of a vital tool in our global efforts against Covid-19. Cambridge Innovation Capital is proud to support Exvastat’s exciting investigations into the potential of imatinib beyond cancer care. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, whether caused by Covid-19 infection or other factors, is an area of substantial unmet medical need. The mechanism of action of imatinib in improving the integrity of pulmonary endothelium provides hope for the development of a novel treatment for this devastating condition.”
About Exvastat Ltd
Exvastat is a clinical stage company developing Impentri™ (intravenous imatinib) as a first-in-class pharmacotherapy for COVID-19 pneumonia and all-cause Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) to lower mortality and improve quality of life of patients. ARDS is a life-threatening respiratory condition associated with pulmonary oedema with a high mortality and currently lacking any effective, licensed treatment.
For more information, please visit the Exvastat website at https://www.exvastat.com/ or follow us on Twitter at @exvastat.
About Cambridge Innovation Capital
Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) is a leading venture investor backing and building category-leading deep tech and life sciences companies. CIC currently manages more than £300 million and has invested in 30+ companies. CIC is a preferred investor for the University of Cambridge, Europe’s top source of founders for venture-backed start-ups.
Cambridge Innovation Capital Manager Limited (FRN:918898) is authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority.
For more information please visit www.cic.vc or follow us on Twitter at @CIC_vc and Linkedin.
Exvastat Ltd +44 (0)7746 770409
David Cavalla, CEO david.cavalla@exvastat.com
Cambridge Innovation Capital
Michelle Lamprecht, Head of Marketing Michelle.Lamprecht@cic.vc
+44 (0)7508 384298