Innovative treatment for COVID-19-associated ARDS
Repurposing of the FDA approved drug, Lyothyronine (T3) to treat ARDS, an often fatal complication of COVID-19
Background
One of the most worrisome complications of the current global pandemic of COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is characterized by excess inflammation and fluid in the lung and has high mortality despite years of study. Research has indicated that more than 40% of the individuals hospitalized with severe COVID-19 develop ARDS and over half of those cases are fatal.
Technology Overview
A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota with decades of research knowledge surrounding lung diseases have developed a novel and promising treatment approach for ARDS utilizing Liothyronine (T3), a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that already has FDA approval. Application of T3 to injured lungs has been shown to speed fluid clearance in animal models and clinical trials are already underway to validate translation to humans suffering with ARDS ().
Further Details:
“Triiodo-L-thyronine rapidly stimulates alveolar fluid clearance in normal and hyperoxia-injured lungs”. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2008.
Stage of Development
- Currently in phase II clinical trials (NCT04115514).
The rate at which COVID-19 spread across the globe has necessitated expedited assessment of potential treatments, with insufficient time for highly-controlled, detailed studies. In contrast, the research evaluating the use of T3 in the treatment of ARDS has been underway for years, resulting in a rigorously validated strategy that is currently in phase II clinical trials (NCT04115514). The FDA approval over 50 years ago for use of T3 in thyroid disease has additionally led to the establishment of both clinical knowledge and a commercially manufactured drug supply, both of which may facilitate quicker, less-expensive approval and availability of T3 for use in COVID-19/ARDS patients.
Benefits
- Well-developed treatment: Following years of meticulous evaluation, use of T3 is currently in phase II clinical trials for treatment of ARDS.
- Primed for rapid clinical introduction: FDA-approved compound that is commercially manufactured and available.
- Therapeutically effective: T3 expedites fluid clearance from the lungs in animal models and has been optimized to eliminate toxicity and side-effects.
Opportunity
COVID-19 has left few unaffected and the dire need for well-studied treatment options was not lost on the researchers at UMN. The team has quickly focused their attention on assessing T3 for use in COVID-19-associated ARDS. The team are keen to speak with outside parties who would like to learn more about this ongoing work and the opportunities to partner.
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