Aquilon Pharma is a spin-off from the University of Liège set up at the end of 2013, specializing in the disruptive improvement of existing treatments for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Chronic respiratory diseases are among the world’s leading causes of mortality and morbidity, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), and their prevalence continues to grow*.
Concerned by the significant respiratory consequences of COVID 19 infections, both during and after the disease, Aquilon Pharma has launched its first Phase II clinical trial, using its own funds, to provide therapeutic support for Covid 19 patients admitted to hospital in acute respiratory distress.
This study, named Sirocco 1, will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Liège.
The SIROCCO 1 clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Aquilon Pharma’s therapeutic innovation in the management of acute COVID-19 symptoms. The evolution of pharmacodynamic parameters, such as inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers, will also be studied during the study.
A total of 99 adult patients hospitalized with a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test will be included in the clinical trial. Dr Julien Guiot from the University of Liège is the principal investigator. The study will be carried out at the University Hospital of Liège, with a second major hospital in the Liège region to be selected subsequently. Patients will receive either two different inhalation dosages of the treatment developed by Aquilon Pharma, or a placebo treatment for 28 days.
Paul Maes, CEO of Aquilon Pharma, comments: “The fact that we are able to carry out such a Phase II clinical trial today already demonstrates the relevance of the research and therapeutic innovation developed by Aquilon Pharma. This is an undeniable sign that the company will play an important role in the future and become a leading pharmaceutical player in the treatment of severe respiratory diseases worldwide.”
The Sirocco1 research project will have three components:
- Therapeutic evaluation of Covid 19 patients admitted directly to intensive care units.
- Therapeutic evaluation of Covid 19 patients admitted to the Respiratory Care Department.
- Therapeutic evaluation of Covid 19 patients convalescing at home.
Initial results from Sirocco1 are expected by the end of August. The overall results of the 3 parts of the study will be known during the last quarter of this year.
