Long Hauler Trial Article (sorry in advance if

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CytoDyn Calms Cytokine Storm With Leronlimab

CytoDyn, a late-stage biotech based in Vancouver, WA, is going up against the cytokine storm responsible for the severity of many COVID-19 symptoms with its lead drug candidate, Vyrologix™ (leronlimab), a monoclonal antibody.

Leronlimab, a viral-entry inhibitor against the CCR5 receptor, was originally intended as an HIV drug. It has shown promise in normalizing the immune response that has gone overboard in severely ill patients. Current data shows a trend toward immune function restoration by day seven of treatment with leronlimab, crucial to preventing opportunistic lung infections that could linger.

“We believe the build-up of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the central nervous system leads to neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation can affect the hypothalamus, leading to autonomic dysfunction such as high fevers, abnormalities of the sleep/wake cycle, cognitive abnormalities, and severe fatigue. We believe this mechanism of action is very similar to other post-viral syndromes,” CytoDyn Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of the Board, Dr. Scott Kelly told BioSpace.

“Leronlimab is a CCR5 antagonist that can potentially help mitigate the neuroinflammatory process. Prior animal studies in macaques have shown that leronlimab crosses the blood-brain barrier with approximately 70-75% CCR5 receptor occupancy in the brain," Kelly said. "If leronlimab can help alleviate the neuroinflammation, we believe it can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected with COVID Long-Haulers syndrome.”

Leronlimab is currently undergoing a Phase II trial to evaluate its efficacy and safety for patients with prolonged symptoms caused by COVID-19. CytoDyn expects to complete the study by the end of July 2021.

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