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The search for clinically effective antivirals against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is ongoing. Repurposing of drugs licensed for non–coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) indications has been extensively investigated in laboratory models and in clinical studies with mixed results. Nafamostat mesylate (nafamostat) is a drug licensed in Japan and Korea for indications including acute pancreatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. It is available only for continuous intravenous infusion. In vitro human lung cell line studies with nafamostat demonstrate high antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2 (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] of 0.0022 µM [compared to remdesivir 1.3 µM]), ostensibly via inhibition of the cellular enzyme transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) preventing viral entry into human cells. In addition, the established antithrombotic activity is hypothesised to be advantageous given thrombosis-associated sequelae of COVID-19. Clinical reports to date are limited, but indicate a potential benefit of nafamostat in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. In this review, we will explore the pre-clinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical outcome data presently available for nafamostat as a treatment for COVID-19. The recruitment to ongoing clinical trials is a priority to provide more robust data on the safety and efficacy of nafamostat as a treatment for COVID-19.

Background Xeruborbactam (XERU) is a member of a new class of cyclic boronic acid β-lactamase inhibitors with inhibitory activity against major members of Class A, B, C, and D beta-lactamases. This report describes the safety and pharmacokinetics of XERU following multiple doses alone and in combination with meropenem. Methods Twenty-four healthy subjects were enrolled into one of 3 cohorts with XERU alone. XERU was administered as a 500 mg loading dose followed by 250 mg q8h or 1000 mg loading dose followed by 500 mg q8h. 15 healthy subjects were enrolled in a single cohort of meropenem alone administered as a 4000 mg loading dose followed by 2000 mg q8h or meropenem in combination with XERU administered as a 500 mg loading dose followed by 250 mg q8h for 10 days. Intensive plasma sampling was obtained after dosing and assayed for drug content using validated LC-MS/MS methods. Results XERU and Meropenem Steady State pharmacokinetic parameters are shown in the table below. No subjects discontinued due to AEs and no SAEs were observed. There was no evidence of increasing numbers or severity of AEs with increasing dose. All AEs were mild or moderate in severity. Conclusion XERU was safe and well-tolerated when administered alone and in combination with meropenem. XERU has unique PK properties that includes a long elimination half-life that provides sustained plasma concentrations. The loading dose of XERU allows for rapid achievement of steady state plasma levels of XERU within the first day of treatment. XERU plasma PK properties, along with a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity, facilitates its use with multiple beta-lactam antibiotics including meropenem. Disclosures David Griffith, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Jason Roberts, BPharm(Hons), PhD, FSHP, FISAC, British Society of Chemotherapy: Grant/Research Support|Cipla: Honoraria|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Honoraria|Pfizer: Board Member|Pfizer: Honoraria|Qpex: Grant/Research Support|Sandoz: Board Member|Summit: Advisor/Consultant|Wolters Kluwer: Advisor/Consultant Elizabeth Morgan, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Shawnee Gehrke, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Michael Dudley, n/a, ArrePath: Board Member|Qpex Biopharma: Board Member|Qpex Biopharma: Employee Jeff Loutit, MBChB, Qpex Biopharma: Employee.

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Background Xeruborbactam (XERU) is a member of a new class of cyclic boronic acid β-lactamase inhibitors with inhibitory activity against major members of Class A, B, C, and D beta-lactamases. This report describes the first safety and pharmacokinetic data following oral administration as the isobutyryloxymethyl prodrug in humans. Methods Forty-eight healthy subjects were enrolled into one of 6 cohorts of 8 subjects each in the single ascending doses (100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg). Subjects were randomly assigned with each cohort to XERU oral prodrug (n = 6), or placebo capsule (n = 2). Intensive plasma (total drug) and ultrafiltrate (free drug) sampling was obtained after dosing and assayed for QPX7831 and XERU content using validated HPLC/MS methods. Results XERU PK parameters following oral administration as the prodrug are shown in the table below. Compared to IV XERU doses (data not shown), XERU bioavailability is 90 - 100% orally bioavailable. No subjects discontinued due to AEs and no SAEs were observed. There was no evidence of increasing numbers or severity of AEs with increasing dose. All AEs were mild in severity. Conclusion Orally administered XERU was safe and well tolerated at all doses tested. Plasma XERU AUC and Cmax increased with increasing dose. XERU exposures (24h free AUC) exceed the predicted PK-PD parameter for stasis with once-daily doses of 400 mg or higher and exceed the PK-PD parameter for 1-log of bacterial killing once daily doses of 800 mg or higher. XERU, administered as an oral prodrug, has plasma PK properties that support once-daily administration. Disclosures David Griffith, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Jason Roberts, BPharm(Hons), PhD, FSHP, FISAC, British Society of Chemotherapy: Grant/Research Support|Cipla: Honoraria|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Honoraria|Pfizer: Board Member|Pfizer: Honoraria|Qpex: Grant/Research Support|Sandoz: Board Member|Summit: Advisor/Consultant|Wolters Kluwer: Advisor/Consultant Elizabeth Morgan, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Michael Dudley, n/a, ArrePath: Board Member|Qpex Biopharma: Board Member|Qpex Biopharma: Employee Jeff Loutit, MBChB, Qpex Biopharma: Employee.