Failure to meet primary endpoint

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of merimepodib (MMPD) oral solution when administered in combination with remdesivir in adult patients with advanced COVID-19.

This phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will enroll approximately 80 adult patients with advanced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Approximately 80 patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive oral administration of MMPD + remdesivir or placebo + remdesivir. The first 40 patients will have a score of 3 or 4 on the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) 8-point ordinal scale and at least one of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, shortness of breath at rest or with exertion, confusion or symptoms of severe lower respiratory symptoms; the final 40 patients will have a score of 3 on the NIAID scale.

Study subjects will undergo screening evaluations prior to the first dose of study drug. Study drug treatment (MMPD or placebo) will continue for 10 days, unless the patient is discharged from the hospital before completing the 10-day randomized treatment period. Both treatment arms will also receive remdesivir per the Emergency Use Authorization labeling. Evaluations will be performed on Days 0-10 and every day thereafter until the subject no longer requires any form of respiratory support or they reach the last planned day of in-person study assessments and still require respiratory support. The final in-person study evaluations will be performed 4 weeks after completion of study drug (MMPD or placebo) treatment (Day 37). The final study evaluation will be a telephone call on Day 56.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 viral infection
• Advanced COVID-19 with score of 3 or 4 on NIAID scale (first 40 patients) or score of 3 on NIAID scale (last 40 patient
• Has at least one of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, shortness of breath, confusion or severe lower respiratory symptoms
• Off antiviral medications at least 24 hours prior to first dose of study drug (except for remdesivir)
• Able to provide consent
• Agree to appropriate methods of contraception

Exclusion Criteria:

• In critical condition or has ARDS
• On invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO
• Bacterial or fungal infection
• Pregnant or lactating (women)
• ALT >5x ULN, bilirubin >2x ULN, INR outside of normal limits at screening
• eGFR <30 mL/min
• Clinically relevant serious co-morbid medical conditions
• Treatment with any immunosuppressive therapy within 30 days prior to screening
• Treatment with another investigational drug within 30 days or 5 half-lives of drug prior to screening
• Prior treatment with the study drug (MMPD) or treatment with remdesivir more than 24 hours prior to the first randomized dose of study drug
• Known hypersensitivity to the inactive ingredients in the study drug (MMPD or placebo) or any ingredient of remdesivir

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