Ethris releases positive data with mRNA drug following new funding

Ethris, a German biotech company, has released promising Phase I data on its intranasal mRNA candidate, ETH47. The trial (ISRCTN15391202) showed ETH47 administered nasally was well tolerated, with no severe adverse events or clinically relevant drug-related issues across all dose levels. Full trial data are expected by Q3 2024.

Recently, Ethris secured $5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to prep for ETH47’s Phase IIa study, including chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC). Additionally, Cipla's subsidiary invested an additional €3 million ($3.2 million) following a €15 million 2022 investment.

ETH47, encoding type III interferon (IFN), boosts innate immune defenses at mucosal virus entry points and inhibits viral replication. Administered via Ethris's Stabilised NanoParticle (SNaP) LNP platform through inhalation or nasal spray, it targets lung delivery.

Ethris's Phase I plan for healthy subjects was MHRA-approved in November 2023. Positive initial results pave the way for viral challenge studies, including in mild asthmatics with a rhinovirus. Ethris targets uncontrolled asthma, aiming to correct interferon type III dysregulation for better symptom control.