COPD Foundation links arms with Ena on antiviral nasal spray ahead of phase 2 trials in COVID-19, flu

The COPD Foundation has stepped up to support the development of Ena Respiratory’s antiviral nasal spray for use in people with chronic lung diseases. Ena is preparing to run phase 2 studies to test the ability of the nasal spray to prevent COVID-19 and influenza.

Australia-based Ena raised around $24 million last summer, setting it up to run a phase 1 trial of TLR2/6 agonist INNA-051. By delivering the molecule to the nose, Ena aims to help people fight off viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza by upregulating innate immune responses in their airway epithelial cells. That mechanism of action put INNA-051 on the radar of the not-for-profit COPD Foundation.

“Our patient community surveys highlight an urgent need for treatments that prevent flare-ups triggered by viral infections, now more than ever. This fast-acting nasal spray could be used before or shortly after virus exposure to help the body respond faster and reduce the chances of complications,” Ruth Tal-Singer, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at the COPD Foundation, said in a statement.

The COPD Foundation will work with Ena to develop INNA-051 for use in people with chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ena landed the partnership after taking the nasal spray through a phase 1 trial, more data from which are due later this year, and setting its sights on mid-phase studies. 

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Ena plans to test INNA-051 in a randomized COVID-19 post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis study and an influenza challenge pre-exposure prophylaxis study. As INNA-051 is designed to work by stimulating the immune response, rather than targeting the virus directly, it could reduce the incidence and severity of infections with a range of respiratory pathogens.

In the context of COPD, a reduction in the incidence and severity of infections could tackle a driver of the deterioration of symptoms, leading the foundation to lend its network of accredited centers, expertise and patient investigators to the development of INNA-051.