Foresee announces potential new COVID-19 drug

Foresee Pharmaceuticals' drug FP-025 to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patients has been given a nod from an independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) in the US, reported the Taipei Times.

FP-025 is a highly selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-12, which has been identified as a component in causing pulmonary injury and fibrotic conditions in the lungs of COVID-19 patients.

In a filing with the Taiwan, China Stock Exchange, Foresee said it received a positive recommendation from an IDMC Phase II safety review meeting to continue its Phase II/III clinical trial of FP-025.

An interim analysis is planned at the end of the Phase II study, and based on the results, the trial may proceed to Phase III with potential modifications to the research protocol, it said.

Approximately 99 people are taking part in the trial in the US, and the efficacy results are expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

The company would also assess the possibility of conducting trials in Taiwan, China, India and some Central and South American countries.