PR84202

FREIBURG, Germany, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Eleva, a manufacturer of superior biologics, is exploring the potential of one

of its drug candidates for first-in-line therapy of COVID-19. The compound,

factor H, is part of the complement system, which is believed to affect the

severity of the course of COVID-19. Eleva has developed factor H previously for

a different indication and taken it through pre-clinical stages.

The complement system is a vital part of the immune system. It recognizes and

destroys pathogens and protects the body's own cells with a special component,

factor H. Insufficient amounts of factor H lead to excessive inflammation and

risk of tissue damage. Emerging evidence suggests that the lung tissue decay

observed in severe cases of COVID-19 could be caused by this unregulated

inflammation. Current means to inhibit this process use artificial antibodies

that block the pathway altogether, stopping the inactivation of pathogens and

causing a significant risk of infection. Conversely, supplemented factor H

allows for regulated defence while protecting the host cells.

Andreas Schaaf, CEO of Eleva, says: "Unlocking novel therapies is our mission.

This path deserves to be explored and may lead to effective treatment of

COVID-19."

Eleva has previously developed recombinant factor H for glomerulopathy and

taken it through pre-clinical stages. Studies have indicated a significant

reduction in inflammation and tissue damage when factor H was supplemented.

Eleva is now looking to accelerate the COVID-19-specific evaluation with a

pharmaceutical partner.

About Eleva

Eleva develops novel biological therapies with its pharmaceutical partners. The

privately-held company leverages its unique moss-based production platform to

produce supreme biologics like antibodies, replacement enzymes, or fusion

toxins. Eleva has successfully developed drug candidates into clinical phases.

Press contact:

eleva GmbH

Fabienne Zeitter

pr@elevabiologics.com

+49-761-470-99-0

www.elevabiologics.com

Source: eleva GmbH