Efficacy and Safety of BIO101 in the Prevention of Respiratory Deterioration in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Biophytis is developing BIO101, an investigational new drug, an oral preparation of immediate-release 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) at ≥ 97% purity. BIO101 activates MasR on the protective arm of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS). The engagement of MasR by BIO101 is responsible for a number of preclinical beneficial activities in normal and pathological contexts. The COVA clinical study is a global, multicentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled, group sequential and adaptive 2 parts phase 2-3 study in participants with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Part 1 is a Phase 2 exploratory Proof of Concept (PoC) study to provide preliminary data on the activity, safety and tolerability of BIO101 in the target population. Part 2 is a phase 3 pivotal randomized study to provide further evidence of safety and efficacy of BIO101 after 28 days of dosing. The trial will use an adaptive design based on pre-specified criteria, using an independent external Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) to monitor safety, efficacy, and review data at appropriate intervals to allow the initiation of the confirmatory part of the study. The general objectives of the study are: * The purpose of Part 1 is to obtain preliminary indication of activity of BIO101, in preventing respiratory deterioration in the target population (50 participants, age ≥ 55 years) and provide preliminary data on the safety and tolerability of BIO101 in the target population * The purpose of Part 2 is to re-assess the sample size that is needed for the confirmatory part of the study and to provide confirmation on the benefit of BIO101 and safety in the larger target population (up to 310 participants)