Recipharm’s Erdosteine molecule will be tested in a clinical study as an add-on treatment for COVID-19 patients.

The clinical study, which began on April 7th, is being conducted in clinical centers involved in COVID-19 treatment in Milan and Bergamo. Both Milan and Bergamo are based in Lombardy, the Italian region most affected by the virus.

The study involves around 100 patients affected by COVID-19 and discharged from hospitals. It is evaluating if Erdosteine improves respiratory symptoms and reduces the time to reach a negative test result for SARS-CoV-2. First results from the study are expected in two months.

The theory is that the multiple mechanisms of action of Erdosteine (antioxidant, mucoactive, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic enhancer) may improve respiratory function and could thus potentially benefit patients affected by COVID-19.

Erdosteine was discovered and developed in Italy at Recipharm’s facility in Paderno Dugnano and is indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).