Altesa BioSciences’ Vapendavir Shows Promise in Preventing COPD Flare-Ups

Altesa BioSciences presented positive findings for its oral antiviral vapendavir at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025, demonstrating its potential to prevent rhinovirus-triggered respiratory deteriorations in Stage 2 COPD patients.

Key Findings

• Human Challenge Study: 40 participants with Stage 2 COPD were intranasally infected with rhinovirus. Treatment with vapendavir or placebo started after symptom onset for 7 days.
• Results: Vapendavir was well tolerated, improved symptoms, and reduced viral load. No serious adverse events or withdrawals occurred.
• Clinical Potential: Could prevent up to 50% of COPD exacerbations, improving quality of life, reducing hospitalizations, and lowering healthcare costs.

Expert Insights

• Prof. Sebastian Johnston (Imperial College London): “This is the first study showing an antiviral can treat rhinovirus, the leading cause of COPD flare-ups. Patients will be excited to have a pill at home if approved.”
• Dr. Brett Giroir (CEO, Altesa BioSciences): Plans to start a large, multinational Phase 2/3 trial in Stage 2–4 COPD in early 2026.
• Dr. Katharine Knobil (CMO, Altesa BioSciences): Vapendavir showed consistent beneficial effects across key parameters, potentially transforming COPD care globally.

Study Design Highlights

• Conducted by VirTus Respiratory Research Ltd with collaborators at Imperial College London and St. Mary’s Hospital.
• Unique real-world model: Participants started treatment only when symptoms appeared and lived at home during the study.
• Outcome: Demonstrated improvement in both upper and lower respiratory symptoms, mimicking real-life COPD exacerbations.

About Vapendavir

• Oral antiviral targeting rhinovirus, the leading trigger of COPD exacerbations.
• Late-stage clinical development; potential to reduce COPD flare-ups by half, improve patient outcomes, and reduce reliance on long-term immune-modifying injections.

About Altesa BioSciences

• Clinical-stage company focused on respiratory medicine and infectious diseases.
• Dedicated to addressing the root cause of COPD and asthma exacerbations: viral respiratory infections.
• Advocates for improved access to modern respiratory diagnostics and therapies in underserved communities.

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