- Drug Candidate exerts strong SARS-CoV-2 specific antiviral properties in the in vitro infection test

- Preclinical data were published in the International Journal of Molecular Science

- MP1032 shows an outstanding safety profile in previous clinical trials

Zurich, November 24, 2020. MetrioPharm AG, a pharmaceutical company developing drugs for chronic inflammatory diseases, announces that it is preparing a Phase II clinical trial for its lead compound MP1032, battling COVID-19. Following positive data from pre-clinical studies published in the peer-reviewed , the company believes that MP1032 has the potential to both, slow down the spread of the virus in the body, and alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. By conducting the Phase II clinical trial, MetrioPharm aims to demonstrate the efficacy of MP1032 in patients with COVID-19.

MetrioPharm CEO Dr. Brysch comments: "It is becoming increasingly clear that so-called reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for the progress of COVID-19. MP1032 acts as a ROS scavenger, interrupting this process. In collaboration with the Department of Virology at the University of Erlangen, we were able to show that MP1032 has in-vitro SARS-CoV-2 specific antiviral properties and exerts a strong immunomodulatory effect in preclinical inflammation models. MP1032 thus has the potential to both slow down the spread of the virus in the body and positively influence the course of COVID-19".

Therefore the published data show that MP1032 could be a promising option for the treatment of COVID-19. MP1032 has already been clinically tested in a chronic inflammatory indication. To date, no adverse drug reactions have been observed during clinical development, when administered twice daily, for three months. This outcome underlines the excellent safety profile of MP1032.

Dr. Brysch added: "In previous weeks we were seeing an increasing number of severe COVID courses and a corresponding burden on hospitals. This contrasts with the few available and safe therapeutic approaches. The aim of treatment with MP1032 would be to reduce the duration and severity of the disease at an early stage, shorten hospital stays and prevent intensive care measures".

About MetrioPharm AG

MetrioPharm AG is a pharmaceutical development company focusing on drugs for chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Such chronic diseases pose the greatest individual health risk. The goal of MetrioPharm AG is to make the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases more effective and more tolerable. We hope to achieve a healthspan expansion for patients: We want to stop the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases as early as possible and significantly prolong the healthy lifespan of millions of people.

MetrioPharm AG was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Zurich with research facilities in Berlin.

About MP1032

MP1032 is the lead compound of a class of proprietary immune modulators developed by MetrioPharm AG. MP1032 is believed to modulate the oxidative stress-mediated activation state of macrophages and downregulate the M1 state. In contrast to other immune-modulating and disease-modifying drugs, MP1032 does not impact T-cells and preferentially affects macrophages at the sites of inflammation. MP1032 has shown anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of disease and a favorable toxicology profile in pre-clinical studies.

For the first Phase II study with MP1032, the indication psoriasis was selected because this immune-induced inflammatory disease is regarded as a so-called »door-opener indication«. Successes in the treatment of psoriasis have already led to first indications of promise for use in other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are consistent with MetrioPharm AGs assessment as of the date of this release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond MetrioPharm AGs control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. MetrioPharm does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements with respect to changed expectations or new events, conditions or circumstances on which these statements are based. A liability or guarantee and, if applicable, claims for topicality, correctness and completeness of these data and information are excluded and cannot be derived either explicitly or impliedly.