Revive Therapeutics gets “encouraging” Phase 2a Results

Recently listed Revive Therapeutics looks to find new uses for old drugs. One example of drug repurposing is Sildenafil, which was originally developed as an Angina treatment and is a mainstay in the therapy of erectile dysfunction (Viagra®). Revive Therapeutics (TSXV:RVV) today announced results from a Phase 2a proof-of-concept study it called “encouraging”.

The study aimed to discover if the company’s REV-001 treatment for the prevention of opioid-induced respiratory depression was safe and effective.

Preliminary data showed that REV-001 was well tolerated, did not affect analgesia and showed encouraging clinical activity in resting ventilation, breathing frequency and tidal volume.

CEO Fabio Chianelli said the data will take Revive to the next step.

“I am pleased to see that REV-001 has shown initial clinical response signals as we continue to advance the clinical development of this compound for the prevention of opioid-induced respiratory depression in an acute setting,” he said. “I look forward to sharing additional information from the next cohort of the Study and outlining future clinical and business development plans.”

Prof. Dr. Albert Dahan M.D., Ph.D., Principal Study Investigator and Professor of Anesthesiology at the Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands said REV-001 was a unique solution.

“To my knowledge, this is the only drug being repurposed for opioid-induced respiratory depression and the compelling proof-of-concept data will provide critical information on the potential therapy for this unmet medical need,” he said.

An opioid is any psychoactive chemical that resembles morphine or other opiates in its pharmacological effects. One recent study found that between 29% and 41% of patients involved in inpatient surgical procedures are at a high risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression.

REV-001 is a repurposing of the anti-depressant drug tianeptine, the treatment is one illustration of Revive Therapeutics’ business model. The company, which was founded in 2012 and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange in January, looks to find new uses for old drugs. Revive is currently developing and commercializing treatments for major market opportunities such as sleep apnea, gout and rare diseases.

Disclosure: Revive Therapeutics is an annual sponsor of Cantech Letter.

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