COVID-19 clinical trials at University of California Health

COVID-19 patients who develop severe disease often develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a result of a dysregulated immune response. This in turn stimulates a pro-inflammatory cascade ("cytokine storm") as well as emergency myelopoiesis. This proinflammatory cascade is activated when viral-mediated cell damage occurs in the lungs, resulting in the release of damage-signaling alarmin molecules such as S100A8/A9 (Calprotectin), HMGB1, Resistin, and oxidized phospholipids. These damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are recognized by the pattern recognition receptor Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) found on macrophages, dendritic cells and other innate immune cells and result in additional release of pro-inflammatory molecules. Several recent studies have shown that S100A8/A9 serum levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients positively correlate with both neutrophil count and disease severity. Taken together the DAMP-TLR4 interaction forms a central axis in the innate immune system and is a key driver of the pathological inflammation observed in COVID-19. We hypothesis that targeting the initial step in the signalling pathways of these DAMPs in innate immunity offers the best hope for controlling the exaggerated host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. EB05 has demonstrated safety in two clinical studies (>120 patients) and was able to block LPS-induced (TLR4 agonist) IL-6 release in humans. Given, this extensive body of evidence we believe EB05 could ameliorate ARDS due to COVID-19, significantly reducing ventilation rates and mortality.

Persistent viral infection with viral reservoirs and detection of circulating spike protein after the initial acute illness is one potential pathogenic mechanism for Long COVID. This mechanism may be able to be targeted by SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This trial will study the safety and efficacy of AER002 to treat individuals with Long COVID in an adult population.

This single arm, multicenter study provides the pertuzumab and trastuzumab fixed-dose combination formulation for subcutaneous injection (PH FDC SC) administered at home by a home health nursing provider for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer who have completed concurrent chemotherapy with pertuzumab (Perjeta) and trastuzumab (Herceptin) by intravenous administration (P+H IV) and are currently receiving or will be receiving maintenance therapy with P+H IV, PH FDC SC, or trastuzumab SC in the clinic. The main objective is to enable continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will enroll approximately 200 patients in the United States. Participants with early or metastatic HER2+ breast cancer will be enrolled in this study. Participants with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer will receive treatment every 3 weeks and continue treatment unless early cessation is necessary due to disease recurrence, disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, participant withdrawal of consent, or per physician's recommendation. Participants with early HER2+ breast cancer will receive PH FDC SC to complete 1 year (up to 18 cycles) of dual blockade, including the P+H IV, PH FDC SC, or trastuzumab SC they received prior to enrolling in this study, unless early cessation is necessary due to disease recurrence, disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, participant withdrawal of consent, or per physician's recommendation. A remote cardiac surveillance substudy will be optional for patients enrolled at select sites. The Sponsor may decide to terminate the study when the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a risk for this patient population.