Arrevus Gets Support from NC Biotech Center to Advance ARV-1801 for Pulmonary Exacerbations in CF

Arrevus received a Small Business Research Loan from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to support the development of the company’s Phase 3 therapeutic candidate ARV-1801 for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

The Small Business Research Loan program grants investments of $75,000—$250,000 to early-stage life science companies in North Carolina. The program is designed to support business inception and related activities that help the company position itself for early-stage funding and research to advance the development of technologies and products.

In February, Arrevus finalized the purchase of the ARV-1801 (sodium fusidate) program from Melinta Therapeutics. ARV-1801 has unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic (mucus-thinning) activities. As such, Arrevus considers this therapy an ideal candidate for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in CF patients.

Pulmonary exacerbations are episodes in which patients experience an acute worsening of symptoms. They can occur frequently in patients with CF, and lead to progressive and permanent deterioration of lung function.

Additionally, ARV-1081 is considered safe, and has been used for more than half a century for treating infections in CF patients in markets outside the United States.

“Sodium fusidate has been incorporated into multiple treatment guidelines outside of the United States for the decolonization of Staphylococcus in patients with cystic fibrosis. Arrevus wants to demonstrate that this agent can also improve the lives of patients with cystic fibrosis who are experiencing pulmonary exacerbations,” Joseph St. Geme, MD, chairman of the department of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Arrevus board member, said in a press release.

The treatment of pulmonary exacerbations remains an unmet medical need, as there are very few therapies available, and none have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this indication.

“There is only one member of the fusidane class of antibiotics, namely, sodium fusidate,” said Carl N. Kraus, MD, founder and CEO of Arrevus. “Arrevus is excited to expand the available treatment options for patients with cystic fibrosis who so commonly have to contend with pulmonary exacerbations. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s support with a Small Business Research Loan is encouraging and strongly advances our efforts to deliver better treatment options to patients that need them most.”