Benzinga | Jan 18, 2022 07:22AM EST

Clene Nanomedicine's Second Asset, CNM-ZnAg, Completes 50% Patient Enrollment In COVID-19 Trial

Clene Inc. (NASDAQ:CLNN) along with its subsidiaries "Clene" and its wholly owned subsidiary Clene Nanomedicine, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced it has enrolled more than 50% of the approximately 276 planned participants for its Phase 2 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of CNM-ZnAg in acutely symptomatic, non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Brazil. CNM-ZnAg is a proprietary zinc-silver ionic solution that has demonstrated both antiviral and antibacterial activity.

Study participants are randomized 1:1:2 to receive either a low dose of CNM-ZnAg, a high dose of CNM-ZnAg or placebo in addition to standard supportive care. The primary endpoint of the study is the prevention of hospitalization (measured as frequency of hospital admissions) up to day 28, with a key secondary endpoint assessing time to complete symptom resolution. Topline results are expected in 1H 2022.

"Given the COVID-19 virus' continued mutations and its impact on healthcare systems and society's ability to fully reopen, we need additional therapeutic options in the public health arsenal. CNM-ZnAg's antiviral activity is broadly based, and if it proves effective in this Phase 2 study, we believe it will be well positioned to advance toward a potential registration trial for COVID-19 as well as becoming a potential candidate for other viral and bacterial indications," stated Rob Etherington, Clene's President and CEO.

About CNM-ZnAg, a zinc and silver nanocrystal suspension

Clene's drug candidate, CNM-ZnAg, an ionic solution of zinc and silver, is the result of a patented manufacturing process. CNM-ZnAg is being evaluated in a Phase 2 study for the treatment of COVID-19.