Severe COVID-19 causes a complex lung injury implicating dysregulated immune responses, endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy, consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Addex Therapeutics Ltd. has released promising results from its novel γ-aminobutyric acid subtype B receptor (GABA-B) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) chronic cough program. In models of chronic cough in guinea pigs, the candidate GABA-B PAM significantly and dose-dependently reduced citric acid-induced cough frequency and increased cough latency.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has received clearance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct clinical trials in China with SYS-6016, the company’s mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by lack of hydration in the airways by impaired functioning of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), leading to infection, inflammation and lung tissue damage. It is hypothesized that inhibiting the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the airways in CF may enhance the mucociliary clearance (MCC) and provide clinical benefit, but numerous inhaled ENaC blockers have failed in clinical trials. Enterprise Therapeutics Ltd. is developing an inhaled ENaC blocker compound, ETD-001, for the treatment of CF.

Scientists at Recode Therapeutics Inc. have developed an optimized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to act on specific tissues.

Kevirx Inc. has been awarded nearly $2 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)’s peer-reviewed medical research program.