APEPTICO: Apeptico reports Phase II data for pulmonary product

Apeptico Forschung und Entwicklung GmbH (Vienna, Austria) said orally inhaled AP301 led to earlier onset and "more pronounced activation" of pulmonary edema clearance vs. placebo in a Phase IIa trial to treat pulmonary permeability edema in mechanically-ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Apeptico could not be reached for details or next steps, but said the data will "establish partnering process." AP301 is a human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha-derived peptide that activates the pulmonary epithelial sodium channel (ENaC).