#Netherlands #Amsterdam #COPD #Altesa BioSciences #Vapendavir

Altesa BioSciences Presents Vapendavir Findings in COPD Patients

Altesa BioSciences recently revealed significant outcomes regarding their oral medication, vapendavir, aimed at treating rhinovirus infections in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These promising results were showcased by Dr. Sebastian Johnson, a respected Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy at the National Heart and Lung Institute, during a late-breaking session at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025, held on September 28, 2025, in Amsterdam.

In a groundbreaking human challenge study involving 40 COPD Stage 2 participants, those infected with rhinovirus were administered either vapendavir or a placebo for seven days following the onset of respiratory symptoms. Professor Johnson highlighted the significance of these findings, stating that patients often dread rhinovirus infections due to their potential to exacerbate symptoms and lead to hospitalizations. He emphasized that this was the first study to display favorable results with an antiviral medication for a virus responsible for over half of common cold cases. "Patients with COPD will undoubtedly welcome this drug at their disposal if it reaches approval," he stated, expressing hope for its future availability.

In response to the encouraging initial outcomes, Dr. Brett Giroir, the CEO of Altesa BioSciences and a former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, announced plans to initiate enrollment for a large, multicenter, multinational Phase 2/3 randomized placebo-controlled trial targeting patients with Stage 2, 3, and 4 COPD who are affected by rhinovirus infections in early 2026.

Dr. Katharine Knobil, Altesa's Chief Medical Officer and former Chief Medical Officer at GlaxoSmithKline, further commented on Professor Johnson's findings, stating that this research marks the first instance where an antiviral for rhinovirus has been shown to positively influence upper and lower respiratory symptoms in these particularly vulnerable individuals. This could lead to a decrease in the severity of COPD exacerbations, which can have life-altering effects.

The official theme of ERS Congress 2025 was 'Respiratory Health Around the Globe,' and Dr. Knobil acknowledged the consistent beneficial effects shown by vapendavir across various significant parameters. This raises the prospect of vapendavir becoming a transformative therapy for millions suffering from COPD, not just in the U.S., but also globally.

Dr. Giroir underscored the critical role of rhinovirus infections, citing them as the leading cause of COPD exacerbations—responsible for nearly half of all flare-ups. He concluded with a hopeful vision for Altesa BioSciences, emphasizing that a safe and effective oral treatment could potentially halt viral infections before they escalate into severe conditions, thereby improving patients' quality of life and saving innumerable lives, as well as substantial healthcare costs.

Study Highlights

Altesa’s rhinovirus challenge study was executed by VirTus Respiratory Research Ltd in London, with Professor Johnson and Dr. Michael Edwards leading the project. This study is distinctive as it's specifically tailored to replicate the typical experiences of COPD patients, commencing treatment only after symptoms worsen. Participants in the trial, all diagnosed with Stage 2 COPD, started developing an upper respiratory illness around two days post-challenge, following which their lower respiratory symptoms exacerbated. Vapendavir treatment commenced concurrently with the onset of clinical symptoms and continued for a week.

The treatment demonstrated an excellent tolerance profile, with no significant adverse events reported, and no participants withdrew due to side effects. Further detailed results from this pivotal study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal in the near future.

About Vapendavir

Currently, vapendavir is an oral medication under development by Altesa BioSciences, known for its ability to alleviate symptoms and diminish the viral load in COPD patients with rhinovirus infections. As it progresses into late-stage clinical development, vapendavir has the capacity to prevent close to 50% of COPD exacerbations. If approved, it could notably enhance patients' quality of life, extend their lifespan, and reduce extensive healthcare expenditures associated with ongoing treatments, including immune-modifying injections that carry long-term side effects.

Altesa BioSciences Overview

Altesa BioSciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical firm spearheaded by global specialists in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases. The company focuses on improving the lives of people dealing with chronic lung conditions such as COPD and asthma by addressing the root causes of exacerbations stemming from viral respiratory infections. In addition to advancing vapendavir, Altesa advocates for enhanced access to modern respiratory diagnostics and treatments, particularly in underserved communities.