Ethris GmbH has achieved a significant breakthrough in mRNA therapeutics with positive Phase 1 clinical trial results for ETH47, its lead candidate for uncontrolled asthma. The trial marks a crucial step forward in developing targeted RNA therapeutics for respiratory conditions.
The study, involving 40 healthy volunteers, demonstrated that nasally administered ETH47 successfully produced interferon lambda (IFNλ), a key protein involved in viral immunity within the respiratory tract. The results were presented by Dr. Thomas Langenickel, Chief Medical Officer at Ethris, at the mRNA-Based Therapeutics Summit Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.
Safety and Efficacy Profile
The Phase 1 trial revealed a robust safety profile for ETH47, with no serious or severe adverse events reported across all tested dose levels. Importantly, the treatment showed no observable systemic bioavailability, suggesting its effects remain localized to the respiratory tract. The study demonstrated dose-dependent interferon lambda protein expression, confirming successful target engagement.
Innovative Technology Platform
ETH47 represents a validation of Ethris's proprietary SNIM® and SNaP® technology platforms, designed specifically for respiratory tract mRNA delivery. This achievement marks the first clinical validation of the company's targeted RNA therapeutic approach, demonstrating successful local protein production following nasal administration.
Clinical Development Path
"These positive Phase 1 results reinforce the promise of ETH47 as a potentially safe and transformative treatment option for asthma patients," stated Dr. Langenickel. The company has outlined plans to initiate a Phase 2a clinical trial in the second quarter of 2025, which will evaluate ETH47's effectiveness in reducing symptoms following rhinovirus infection in asthma patients.
Therapeutic Implications
The development of ETH47 addresses a critical need in asthma treatment by targeting the upstream triggers of asthma exacerbations. By focusing on the production of interferon lambda, the therapy aims to enhance viral immunity in the respiratory tract, potentially offering a new approach to preventing and managing asthma exacerbations.
