ZyVersa Therapeutics Announces IRB Approval of Phase 2a Clinical Trial Protocol to Evaluate Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease
ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. receives IRB approval for Phase 2a clinical trial of Cholesterol Efflux Mediator VAR 200 in patients with diabetic kidney disease, marking a significant milestone in the development of first-in-class drugs for renal diseases.
The approval of ZyVersa Therapeutics' Phase 2a clinical trial protocol by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for VAR 200 signifies a pivotal step in the drug's development pathway. The focus on diabetic kidney disease, a condition with a high prevalence and substantial impact on healthcare costs, underscores the potential market for a successful treatment. Given the promising preclinical data, which includes reduced cholesterol and lipid levels in the kidneys, protection against kidney injury and fibrosis and a significant reduction in proteinuria, the trial outcomes could have significant implications for the company's valuation and future revenue streams.
From a medical research perspective, the transition from preclinical to clinical trials is fraught with uncertainty. The efficacy and safety profile of VAR 200 in humans will be scrutinized, with particular attention to its impact on proteinuria, a key indicator of kidney disease progression. The ability of VAR 200 to ameliorate renal lipid accumulation offers a novel approach to treating chronic kidney disease, potentially addressing a gap in the current treatment landscape. If successful, this could lead to a reassessment of the company's risk profile and a positive reaction in the stock market.
Investors should note that the initiation of Phase 2a trials often leads to increased R&D expenses, which could impact ZyVersa's short-term financials. However, the long-term potential for VAR 200 to cater to a large diabetic kidney disease market presents a significant upside. The market will closely monitor patient recruitment rates, trial progress and interim results for early indications of VAR 200's performance. A successful trial could lead to partnerships or licensing deals, providing non-dilutive funding opportunities for ZyVersa.
It's also important to consider the competitive landscape. Should VAR 200 prove to be a superior option compared to existing treatments, ZyVersa could capture a substantial market share. Conversely, any setbacks in the trial could delay market entry and benefit competitors. Stakeholders should weigh these factors alongside the company's overall pipeline and risk diversification when evaluating its investment potential.
The IRB's approval of the Phase 2a clinical trial protocol for ZyVersa's VAR 200 is a noteworthy event in the healthcare sector, particularly within the niche of renal and inflammatory diseases. The drug's mechanism of action, which targets renal lipid accumulation, is relatively unique and could set a new precedent in the treatment of chronic kidney disease if clinical trials confirm preclinical findings. The healthcare industry often sees increased investor interest in companies that bring innovative treatments to trial, especially for diseases with high unmet medical needs like diabetic kidney disease.
Furthermore, the success of VAR 200 could encourage further research into cholesterol efflux mediators as a therapeutic category, potentially leading to a broader range of treatments for renal diseases. This could have downstream effects on healthcare providers, insurance companies and patients, potentially improving outcomes and reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with chronic kidney disease management.
03/18/2024 - 07:57 AM
Phase 2a trial is on track to begin in the first half of 2024. Cholesterol Efflux Mediator TM VAR 200 is in development to ameliorate renal lipid accumulation that damages the kidneys’ filtration system, leading to chronic kidney disease and its progression. WESTON, Fla., March 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for the treatment of renal and inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical needs, announces Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval of the Phase 2a clinical trial protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cholesterol Efflux Mediator VAR 200 in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The clinical trial is on track to begin in the first half of 2024.
Initiation of this clinical trial is a key milestone for ZyVersa. It is the first in human trial for VAR 200 intended to substantiate that the promising preclinical results demonstrated in three different animal models of kidney disease (diabetic kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and Alport syndrome) translate to patients with kidney disease. The preclinical data demonstrated across all three kidney disease models that VAR 200:
Reduced cholesterol and lipid levels in the kidneys’ filtration system. Protected against kidney injury and fibrosis. Significantly reduced protein in the urine (proteinuria). For more information about VAR 200, Click Here .
“A large body of evidence reinforces the importance of addressing kidney accumulation of cholesterol and lipids to help attenuate progression of chronic kidney disease, which affects over 35 million adults in the United States,” commented Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO, and President. “Currently, over 130,000 patients with kidney disease progress to renal failure each year, and more than 800,000 patients are living with renal failure requiring dialysis or transplant to sustain life. We are excited about the potential of Cholesterol Efflux MediatorTM VAR 200 to protect against kidney injury and reduce kidney disease progression.”
About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.
ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and peripheral inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com .
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.
New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.
Corporate, Media, and IR Contact: kcashmere@zyversa.com
When will the Phase 2a trial for VAR 200 begin?
The Phase 2a trial is on track to begin in the first half of 2024.
What is the focus of VAR 200 development?
VAR 200 aims to ameliorate renal lipid accumulation that damages the kidneys' filtration system, leading to chronic kidney disease and its progression.
What is ZyVersa Therapeutics' ticker symbol?
ZyVersa Therapeutics' ticker symbol is ZVSA.
What did the preclinical data show about VAR 200 in kidney disease models?
The preclinical data demonstrated that VAR 200 reduced cholesterol and lipid levels in the kidneys, protected against kidney injury and fibrosis, and significantly reduced protein in the urine.
What is the significance of the Phase 2a trial for ZyVersa?
The Phase 2a trial is a key milestone for ZyVersa as it is the first in human trial for VAR 200 to substantiate promising preclinical results in patients with kidney disease.
