AzurRx BioPharma has activated seven study sites in India for the Phase II RESERVOIR clinical trial of its micronised niclosamide tablets, called FW-1022, to treat Covid-19-related gastrointestinal (GI) infections.

The new sites expand the trial’s eleven sites in the US and the five sites in Ukraine, taking the total number of sites to 23.

Niclosamide is a prescription small molecule drug approved in 1982 by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat intestinal tapeworm infections.Apart from antihelminthic activity, the drug was observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

FW-1022 is a niclosamide-based small molecule drug being developed for its potential anti-viral activity against Covid-19 GI infections.

The therapeutic is intended to lower viral load in the GI tract, treat infection symptoms and prevent viral transmission through the faecal spread. It is expected to be delivered as an oral immediate-release tablet.

AzurRx BioPharma president and CEO James Sapirstein said: “Expanding our clinical trial into India provides access to the second most populous country in the world and one that, unfortunately, continues to experience a devastating Covid-19 outbreak.

“The virus’ impact on the GI tract is often overshadowed by its effect on the respiratory system, however, Covid-19-related GI infection remains an undertreated symptom with devastating aftereffects.