Traws Pharma Doses First Patient with Ratutrelvir in Phase 2 COVID Studies, Expects Results by Year-End 2025

Core Insights - Traws Pharma is conducting a Phase 2 study to evaluate ratutrelvir, a ritonavir-free antiviral treatment for COVID-19, with top-line data expected by year-end 2025 [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - Traws Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for respiratory viral diseases [5] - The company aims to address critical health threats, including COVID-19, Long COVID, bird flu, and seasonal influenza [5] Group 2: Product Development - Ratutrelvir is designed as an oral, small molecule Mpro (3CL protease) inhibitor, showing in vitro activity against various virus strains [3] - The treatment does not require co-administration with ritonavir, potentially avoiding drug-drug interactions and expanding patient eligibility [3] - Phase 1 studies indicate that ratutrelvir maintains target blood plasma levels approximately 13 times above the EC50, which may reduce the likelihood of clinical rebound and Long COVID risk [3] Group 3: Clinical Trials - The first trial compares ratutrelvir against PAXLOVID, evaluating safety, infection rates, COVID symptoms, disease rebound, and Long COVID incidence [2] - A second trial will assess ratutrelvir's safety and efficacy in PAXLOVID-ineligible patients, a vulnerable population with limited treatment options [2] - Results from both Phase 2 studies are anticipated by the end of 2025 [2] Group 4: Market Potential - The COVID treatment market represents a potential multi-billion dollar opportunity, highlighting the significance of effective antiviral therapies [3]