Cyxone Launches Mid-Stage Trial of Rabeximod for COVID-19

Sweden’s Cyxone has enrolled the first patient in a phase 2 trial of its investigational rheumatoid arthritis compound, rabeximod, in COVID-19 patients. The orally administered drug is intended to prevent disease progression in hospitalized COVID-19 patients by controlling hyperactivated immune cells in the lungs.

The study aims to enroll 300 patients at sites in Poland, Slovakia and up to three additional countries in Europe. Eligible patients are those with moderate disease who need oxygen treatment but not ventilator support.

Cyxone expects to announce preliminary results in the third quarter of this year. It intends to file for Emergency Use Authorization if there is a positive outcome from the study and if the company can find a strategic partner.