Amerimmune LLC Maintains Intellectual Property on the COVID-19 Related Use of Caspase Inhibitors as a Result of Histogen Inc. Led Arbitration

Rhea-AI Summary

Amerimmune LLC has announced its decision to continue the development of caspase inhibitors for treating COVID-19 and related post-viral syndrome symptoms, following the termination of its agreement with Histogen Inc. on January 2, 2023. The termination allows Amerimmune to focus on research and clinical trials, building on successful Phase 1 study results from early 2021 that indicated safety and potential efficacy. The company is also exploring partnerships for novel caspase inhibitors, indicating a proactive approach in the biotechnology sector. This pivot may positively impact Amerimmune's future developments in orphan disease indications.

Positive

• Termination of the agreement with Histogen Inc. allows Amerimmune to focus on research and clinical trials.
• Successful Phase 1 study results indicate safety and promising efficacy for caspase inhibitors.
• Ongoing talks with potential partners for novel caspase inhibitors.
• Focus on expanding therapeutic applications beyond COVID-19.

Negative

• None.

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amerimmune LLC is a translational medicine biotechnology firm focused on discovery and rapid development of novel therapies for diseases, including COVID-19.

Amerimmune LLC had a discovery early in 2020, showing elevated caspase molecules in peripheral blood immune cells of COVID19 patients. Caspase molecules help build immunity to pathogens, but can also have detrimental effects on the immune system. The scientists at Amerimmune had the idea that a stronger and prolonged caspase activity can cause the poor outcomes seen in some patients with COVID-19. A drug that blocks the caspase molecules would potentially prevent disease progression in COVID19. After evaluating a number of potential candidates, Amerimmune LLC identified Emricasan as a drug that could be used to prevent disease progression. On October 27, 2020, Amerimmune LLC entered into a development Agreement with Histogen Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTO) to jointly develop Emricasan as a potentially promising treatment for COVID-19. Histogen and Amerimmune worked jointly through a human Phase 1 study in early 2021, with very successful results of safety and promising hints of efficacy that were announced in mid 2021.

Histogen Inc. filed for arbitration to terminate the Collaborative Development and Commercialization Agreement (CDCA) between Amerimmune and Histogen Inc. The Arbitration Final Award, dated January 2, 2023, allowed for the termination of the CDCA between Amerimmune LLC and Histogen Inc. Amerimmune LLC will continue to develop the use of a caspase inhibitor to treat COVID19 as well as other post viral syndrome related illness symptoms. The findings from the Phase 1 study suggest potential use of caspase inhibitors (beyond COVID19) in a number of orphan disease indications. The termination of the agreement with Histogen Inc. is a welcome development that will provide Amerimmune LLC the focus on research and translation of findings into clinical trials, as demonstrated in the successful Phase-1 COVID-19 study. Amerimmune LLC is already in talks with organizations that have novel caspase inhibitors.

About Amerimmune LLC

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Amerimmune LLC (Amerimmune or the “Company”) is a biotechnology firm focused on rapid development and commercialization of novel therapies and diagnostic testing for diseases and conditions affecting large patient populations as well as rare orphan disorders by identifying already existing therapies or clinical candidates that can be applied for such uses. The Company is focused on high-end understanding of scientific discoveries to advance its objectives and improve health outcomes.

For more information, please visit www.amerimmunellc.co.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230118005893/en/

Ivan Santos

Chief Operating Officer

Amerimmune LLC

isantos@amerimmune.com

(571) 206-8387

Source: Amerimmune LLC

FAQ

What recent development did Amerimmune LLC announce regarding COVID-19 treatment?

Amerimmune LLC announced it will continue the development of caspase inhibitors for COVID-19 after terminating its agreement with Histogen Inc.

What were the results of the Phase 1 study conducted by Amerimmune LLC and Histogen Inc.?

The Phase 1 study indicated successful safety and promising hints of efficacy for the treatment involving caspase inhibitors.

When was the agreement with Histogen Inc. terminated?

The agreement was officially terminated on January 2, 2023.

What is the focus of Amerimmune LLC after the termination of the agreement?

Amerimmune LLC is focusing on research and clinical trials related to caspase inhibitors and exploring applications for orphan diseases.

What potential treatments is Amerimmune LLC looking into after the agreement termination?

Amerimmune LLC is exploring the use of caspase inhibitors for COVID-19 and other post-viral syndrome symptoms.