Bovhyaluronidase Azoximer Shows Promise in Treating Pulmonary Sequelae of COVID-19

Key Insights

• A recent clinical trial suggests that Bovhyaluronidase Azoximer (BA) may offer a valuable direction for treating pulmonary sequelae related to long COVID.
• The study focused on pulmonary sequelae, which includes restrictive lung disease and respiratory symptoms that can persist for months or years post-COVID-19.
• Hyaluronic acid's involvement in the pathology of pulmonary sequelae highlights BA's potential, as it catalyzes the degradation of hyaluronic acid.

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicates that bovhyaluronidase azoximer (BA) shows promise in treating pulmonary sequelae, a long-term complication of COVID-19. The study suggests a potential avenue for further research into BA's efficacy in addressing pulmonary sequelae and potentially long COVID in general.

Pulmonary sequelae, a manifestation of long COVID, includes conditions such as restrictive lung disease, persistent respiratory symptoms, and radiological abnormalities in the lungs resembling pulmonary fibrosis. These conditions can last for months or even years following the initial COVID-19 infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), long COVID affects 10 to 20 percent of COVID-19 patients, presenting symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and exercise intolerance.

Currently, the WHO has not issued specific clinical treatment guidelines for post-COVID pulmonary sequelae. The pathology of pulmonary sequelae involves hyaluronic acid (HA). Bovhyaluronidase azoximer (BA) is a polymer-conjugated hyaluronidase, an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of HA.