RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arrevus Inc. (www.arrevus.com), a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for patients with unmet medical needs, today announced the receipt of a Small Business Research Loan from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. The loan is intended to support the development of the company’s Phase 3 drug candidate ARV-1801 for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis.
In February 2019, Arrevus completed the purchase of the ARV-1801 (sodium fusidate) program from Melinta Therapeutics. Given that ARV-1801 has unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic activities and has been used safely for more than half a century in markets outside of the United States, Arrevus considers it an ideal development candidate for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis. Pulmonary exacerbations are episodes of acute worsening of pulmonary status that occur frequently in patients with cystic fibrosis and result in a sequential and permanent decline in lung function. Treatment of exacerbations remains an unmet medical need with few therapeutics available and none approved for this indication by the FDA.
“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,” said Dr. Joseph St. Geme, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Arrevus Board Member.
“There is only one member of the fusidane class of antibiotics, namely, sodium fusidate. 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,” commented Dr. Carl N. Kraus, M.D., Founder and CEO of Arrevus.
Arrevus also announced today the appointment of Robert J. Schotzinger, M.D., Ph.D. to the Arrevus Board of Directors. Most recently, Dr. Schotzinger was founder and CEO of Viamet Pharmaceuticals and led the successful sale of the company to NovaQuest Capital Management in 2018. “Given Bob’s experience in orphan indications and the focus of our lead program, ARV-1801 to treat pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis patients, we are excited to have him on board at such a pivotal time in our company’s development,” said Dr. Carl N. Kraus, M.D., Founder and CEO of Arrevus.
About Arrevus
Arrevus develops novel therapeutics for orphan diseases that are associated with high treatment failure rates, few therapeutic options and serious outcomes.
Arrevus is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. For more information about Arrevus Inc., visit www.arrevus.com or email info@arrevus.com.
