Rhizen Pharmaceuticals Announces US FDA Acceptance of its IND Application for RP7214 in SARS-CoV-2 Infection; Phase 1 Clinical Trial of RP7214 Set to Begin Early December 2020
1.12.2020 18:01:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
Rhizen Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage oncology-focussed biopharmaceutical company, today announced the approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to study its oral DHODH inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The company announced that initial study shall evaluate single ascending doses of RP7214 in healthy volunteers and that dosing is expected to commence in early December 2020. The company also announces positive feedback from the FDA during its pre-IND discussion on its plans to follow-up this study with a multiple-ascending dose study in Covid-19 patients.
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOHD) is a key enzyme involved in pyrimidine biosynthesis in the cell. RP7214 is potentially a best-in-class selective DHODH inhibitor that has shown potent inhibition of Covid-19 viral replication. RP7214 has also been studied extensively across multiple inflammation models where it has demonstrated excellent anti-inflammatory activity. Further, the IND-enabling preclinical studies have shown RP7214 to be orally available, safe and tolerable with predictable dose-linear pharmacokinetics. The host-based mechanism of RP7214 could allow complementary combinations with direct acting anti-viral drugs, while the broad anti-inflammatory action could potentially mitigate the cytokine mediated inflammatory symptoms typically seen in SARS-CoV-2 & other viral infections.
Swaroop Vakkalanka, President & CEO of Rhizen Pharmaceuticals said “There is an exceptional need for oral antiviral drugs that are suitable for Covid-19 treatment across all hospital and out-patient settings. We are pleased to advance RP7214 into a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of Covid-19 under a US FDA IND. RP7214 has a unique preclinical profile, high oral bioavailability, robust anti-viral potency and broad anti-inflammatory role, that we expect will translate in the clinic and support its eventual development as a potential treatment for Covid-19”.
About Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S.A.:
Rhizen Pharmaceuticals is an innovative, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel onco-therapeutics. Since its establishment in 2008, Rhizen has created a diverse pipeline of proprietary drug candidates targeting several cancers and immune associated cellular pathways. Rhizen is headquartered in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. For additional information, please visit www.rhizen.com
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201201005815/en/
Contact information
Samyukta Bhagwati
Manager, Corporate Affairs & Communications
Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S.A.
Telephone: +41 32 580 0113
Email: corpcomm@rhizen.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Venture Global Commences Commercial Operations of Phase One of Plaquemines LNG1.11.2026 17:40:00 EET | Press release
On October 31, 2026, Venture Global (NYSE: VG) commenced commercial operations of the first phase of its second LNG export project – Plaquemines LNG – and the sale of low-cost, U.S. LNG to the first phase’s long-term customers. The commercial operations date (COD) for Phase 1 of Plaquemines LNG was reached in just over 53 months from the final investment decision on the project, making it among the fastest greenfield LNG projects ever completed. “Achieving commercial operations at the first phase of our second LNG project in 53 months is a testament to our team's relentless dedication and hard work,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “We are thrilled to hit another major milestone that enables us to continue delivering reliable, affordable American LNG to the global market. We deeply appreciate the collaboration of our regulators and supply chain partners, whose shared commitment helped us deliver this project safely and on schedule.” The first post-COD cargo from Plaquemines Phase 1
From the Chishui to the Han: "Moutai Night" Debuts in Seoul to Bridge Cultural Connections1.11.2026 14:44:00 EET | Press release
On October 25, the 2026 “Moutai Night” was held in Seoul, South Korea, under the theme “Born by the Chishui River, Fragrance Along the Han River.” Over a hundred guests from China and South Korea gathered around the Han River, sharing the distinctive appeal of Chinese baijiu, and fostering cultural exchange between the two countries through fine liquor and culture. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261101047521/en/ The event featured an exhibition on Moutai’s brewing techniques and brand history. Hands-on experiences with Miao batik and silverwork showcased Guizhou culture, while creative cocktails brought Chinese spirits into dialogue with Korean tastes. A city-themed video, dance performances and a violin performance rounded out the program, as guests exchanged views on liquor culture in a warm atmosphere. As a flagship cultural initiative designed for global audiences, “Moutai Night” made its Seoul debut, fol
Vedanta Aluminium’s Q2FY27: Profit doubles to INR 6,187 Cr, EBITDA rises 83% YoY31.10.2026 15:12:00 EET | Press release
Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited (BSE: 544780 & NSE: VAML), India’s largest aluminium producer, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2026, delivering solid financial and operational performance. Revenue increased to INR 22,066 crore, up 41% YoY, supported by higher volumes and improved marketing mix. EBITDA stood at INR 10,192 crore, up 83% YoY, with an EBITDA margin of ~46%. Profit after tax stood at INR 6,187 crore, more than doubling YoY with an increase of 105%. VAML strengthened its balance sheet during the quarter, reducing net debt by INR 3,090 crore QoQ, with Net Debt/EBITDA improving to 0.7x from 0.9x in Q1FY27. The company’s credit profile was validated with India Ratings upgrading its credit rating to AA+ (Stable), alongside rating reaffirmations from ICRA and CRISIL. Operationally, VAML achieved its highest-ever quarterly aluminium production of 649 KT, up 3% QoQ and 5% YoY. Value-added production reached a record 432 KT,
United States Signs Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, Strengthening Momentum For Global Participation31.10.2026 10:38:00 EET | Press release
The United States of America has signed its Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in the World Expo’s preparations and further strengthening the momentum for international participation in the global event. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261031669001/en/ The Participation Contract was signed by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The signing marks an important step in the United States’ journey towards Expo 2030 Riyadh, paving the way for the development of its pavilion, programming and visitor experience. It also reinforces the growing international commitment to Expo 2030 Riyadh, as countries move from confirming their participation to actively sha
ADNEC Group Kickstarts November with Two of the World’s Largest Events in the Energy and Tourism Sectors31.10.2026 05:53:00 EET | Press release
ADNEC Group, a Modon company, begins November by hosting two of the world’s most significant international events in the same week. ADIPEC 2026, the world’s largest energy event, takes place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 2 to 5 November. Meanwhile, World Travel Market (WTM) London, one of the global travel industry’s leading gatherings, takes place at the Group’s Excel London venue from 3 to 5 November. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261030918463/en/ ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi (Photo: AETOSWire) The two events, held simultaneously at the Group’s largest venues in the UAE and the UK, reflect ADNEC Group’s capability to deliver large-scale international events across multiple markets. ADIPEC has grown alongside the venue since it was first held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in 2006. This year’s edition is set to be the largest in the event’s history, occupying the venue’s entire 153,000 square metres of exhibition
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom