Altesa BioSciences Receives FDA Clearance for Vapendavir to Treat Rhinovirus Infections
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Altesa BioSciences has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its vapendavir treatment for rhinovirus infections in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Rhinovirus, the most common cause of the common cold, is a leading contributor to worsening lung function in people with COPD. Viral infections are a significant cause of acute health complications in this patient group.
COPD affects over 16.4 million people in the United States, accounting for 6.6% of the adult population. The condition remains a major cause of mortality both in the U.S. and worldwide.
Vapendavir is an oral broad-spectrum antiviral treatment designed to prevent the virus from entering human cells and replicating. It has demonstrated strong activity against 97% of rhinoviruses and other respiratory enteroviruses.
This approval allows the company to begin clinical trials in the United States.
The development of vapendavir is informed by experience in large-scale testing and diagnostics. Altesa aims to apply lessons learned from previous public health initiatives to improve treatment accessibility and effectiveness.
The company is also exploring the drug’s potential to benefit other patient groups, including individuals with asthma, other lung conditions, cancer, and children affected by rhinovirus infections, which are a leading cause of hospitalisation in paediatric patients.
By targeting the underlying cause of disease, the company seeks to offer an alternative to long-term, immune-modifying treatments that contribute to high healthcare costs.
Altesa BioSciences is focused on preventing acute and chronic complications caused by viral infections in high-risk populations.
Source: prnewswire.com
