Verona Pharma Ends Enrollment in Inhaler-Administered COVID-19 Drug Pilot

Verona Pharmaceuticals has completed enrolling participants in a pilot study of ensifentrine, a drug candidate given using an inhaler, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

The study of the combination drug-device is evaluating the efficacy and safety of the treatment in 45 participants hospitalized with COVID-19. Ensifentrine has been shown to help improve lung function, reduce lung inflammation and reduce symptoms of cough and sputum production in studies for other respiratory diseases.

The coronavirus treatment candidate, which is delivered by a pressurized metered-dose inhaler, has both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory activities, the company said.