Development of novel immuno-modulatory drugs for severe inflammation and infection (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The symptoms can range from mild flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, to severe symptoms: shortness of breath, pneumonia or acute lung injury known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to multiple organ failure and death. The patients with ARDS often have exaggerated immune responses with enhanced release of inflammatory mediators that cause the damage of the lung structure and reduction of lung function. Panag Pharma Inc. (Panag) and partner Tetra Bio-Pharma (TBP) have developed a drug product PPP003 that can reduce inflammation in experimental sepsis. In current project, we will investigate if the product can reduce lung damage in an experimental ARDS model by reviewing the histological change in the lung. The finding will provide supporting data for a Health Canada new drug application for treatment of ARDS as well as other acute and chronic systemic inflammatory conditions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Juan Zhou

Student:

Partner:

Panag Pharma Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: