Aerpio Pharmaceuticals' Razuprotafib Dropped From Collaborative COVID-19 Trial

Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative-sponsored I-SPY COVID Trial will not further test Aerpio Pharmaceuticals Inc's (NASDAQ: ARPO) razuprotafib.
Razuprotafib was chosen because it was believed to stabilize and repair the lung's blood vessels and improve gas exchange.
The I-SPY COVID Phase 2 Trial is an adaptive platform that is testing agents that promise to reduce the risk of death from and severity of illness after contracting COVID-19.
Aerpio's razuprotafib will not be evaluated because it was challenging to administer in the setting of COVID-19, with 30% of patients discontinuing the agent due to disease-related hypotension (low blood pressure).
A small decline in systolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure by approximately 4–5 mm Hg was observed after two safety lead-in cohorts.
There was no indication that razuprotafib caused the hypotension that led to a clinical decline in systolic blood pressure.
There was no significant difference between the 10 mg and 20 mg doses in blood pressure decline was seen.
Blood pressure monitoring with additional scrutiny is challenging in the setting of a surge in ICU admissions from COVID-19. Hence, the Data Monitoring Committee recommended that razuprotafib not be advanced after the second safety lead-in.
Price Action: ARPO shares are down 5.8% at $1.46 in premarket trading on the last check Friday.