#United States #Orlando #COPD #Altesa BioSciences #Vapendavir

Altesa BioSciences Unveils Positive Results for Vapendavir

At the recent American Thoracic Society International Conference in 2026, Altesa BioSciences presented promising results from a Phase 2 study evaluating vapendavir for the treatment of rhinovirus infections in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This randomized, placebo-controlled trial has shown significant improvements in viral load reduction, inflammation control, and overall lung function maintenance in participants treated with vapendavir.

Study Overview

The Phase 2 challenge study aimed primarily to assess the impact of vapendavir on patients with GOLD Stage 2 COPD infected with rhinovirus. Rhinovirus is notorious as a leading cause of COPD exacerbations, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in these patients. Unfortunately, no antiviral treatments currently exist specifically for rhinovirus, which underlines the urgent need for effective interventions.

Professor Sebastian Johnston, a prominent figure in respiratory medicine, shared vital insights from the study, emphasizing the real-world applicability of vapendavir. The experimental treatment was initiated post the onset of rhinovirus symptoms, aligning with standard clinical practices for COPD management.

Key Findings

The study presented several noteworthy findings, reflecting the efficacy of vapendavir:

• - Reduced Viral Load: The results indicated a significant decline in viral presence among those receiving the antiviral, mirroring previous findings in asthma patients.
• - Decreased Inflammation: Patients exhibited lowered levels of clinically relevant chemokines, suggesting a marked decrease in inflammatory responses.
• - Quicker Symptom Resolution: The median time taken for symptom alleviation was reduced to 5 days for those on vapendavir, compared to 8.5 days for the placebo group, aligning with measures recommended by the FDA.
• - Improved Patient Outcomes: Patient-reported outcomes demonstrated a reduced number of subjects experiencing significant worsening as per the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).
• - Sustained Lung Function: Functionality of small airways, critical for COPD patients, was maintained following treatment, assessed through oscillometry.
• - Safety Profile: Throughout the study, no significant safety or tolerability concerns emerged, further bolstering vapendavir’s candidacy as a treatment option.

The trial was conducted at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and VirTus, utilizing a unique rhinovirus challenge model specifically designed to mirror the symptoms seen in real-life COPD cases. It’s noteworthy that the RV-16 strain used was less responsive to vapendavir than the majority of circulating strains, highlighting the robustness of the results.

Next Steps: The CARDINAL Study

In response to these favorable outcomes, Altesa has launched the Phase 2b CARDINAL study, expected to continue through 2027. Enrolling 900 participants from the US and UK, this trial seeks to further assess vapendavir’s safety and efficacy at two dosing levels against a placebo. The rigorous recruitment aims to randomize 180 participants who test positive for rhinovirus to determine the drug’s effectiveness over a one-week treatment regimen.

The primary goal of the CARDINAL study is to utilize the EXACT-Respiratory Symptoms score (E-RS) to gauge improvements in respiratory symptoms. Other vital metrics will include resolution times for both upper and lower airway symptoms, healthcare interventions required, quality of life improvements, and pulmonary function evaluations.

Expert Perspectives

Dr. Katharine Knobil, Chief Medical Officer of Altesa, expressed her enthusiasm about the study's results, noting that the traditional acceptance of rhinovirus exacerbations as inevitable in COPD can now be challenged. The potential for vapendavir to transform the management of such exacerbations could signal a new dawn in respiratory care.

Altesa BioSciences remains committed to developing vapendavir not just for COPD but potentially for broader applications in high-risk respiratory populations, including asthma patients. Their innovative approach might provide a meaningful alternative to existing management strategies, targeting the viral root causes of exacerbations rather than merely addressing symptoms.

In conclusion, Altesa's recent findings at the ATS 2026 highlight a pivotal step forward in respiratory medicine, showcasing the transformative potential of vapendavir for millions suffering from chronic lung diseases globally.