Macrolides and Diseases Associated with Loss of Epithelial Barrier Integrity chapter published in respected book series

Prof. Clive Page, King's College London; Prof. Thorarinn Gudjonsson, University of Iceland; and Prof. Michael Parnham, Goethe University – members of EpiEndo’s Scientific Advisory Board; alongside EpiEndo’s CMO, Dr Ginny Norris; Head of Research, Dr Jennifer Kricker; and Founder, Dr Fridrik Gardarsson, have written the chapter entitled: Macrolides and Diseases Associated with Loss of Epithelial Barrier Integrity.

An abstract of the book chapter can be found here.

The chapter was included in the latest volume, Macrolides as Immunomodulatory Agents, edited by Bruce K. Rubin and Masaharu Shinkai, which was published by Springer Nature Switzerland in January 2024 as part of the book series: Progress in Inflammation Research (PIR, volume 92).

The chapter initially provides an overview of the structure and function of the epithelium, a layer of cells providing a protective barrier against inflammation and injury to the lungs, skin and other organs. The authors then explain that epithelial barrier dysfunction leads to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases of these organs and that the macrolide antibiotic azithromycin is able to promote airway epithelial barrier function.

This finding led to the development by EpiEndo of Barriolides™, macrolide derivatives with negligible antibacterial activities. The Company’s lead compound, EP395, has recently completed its Phase 2A clinical trial for treatment of COPD.

Finally, the chapter outlines the clinical benefit that antibiotic macrolides have been shown to exert in COPD and asthma, and potentially other inflammatory conditions, and how Barriolides™ offer an important step forward in the oral therapy of these conditions.

Contact

EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals:

Maria Bech, CEO
E-mail: maria.bech@epiendo.com
Tel: +354 454 0090­­­

Instinctif Partners (media relations):
Melanie Toyne-Sewell/ Katie Duffell / Feaven Abidta
E-mail: EpiEndo@instinctif.com
Tel: +44 20 7457 2020

About EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals (www.epiendo.com)

EpiEndo is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a unique approach to inflammatory disorders that focuses on the role of epithelial function in various inflammatory disorders.

Epithelial cells are a key part of the barrier that makes up human lung tissue and other organs such as the gut and skin. Damage to this barrier is implicated in several chronic inflammatory diseases.

EpiEndo’s new class of orally available macrolide, with reduced antimicrobial resistance (AMR) potential, known as ‘Barriolides™’, show promise as first-in-class therapeutics for chronic respiratory diseases as well as other inflammatory indications. EpiEndo’s lead asset, EP395, was the first Barriolide™ to enter clinical trials, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

EP395 aims to be the first on-market oral, barrier-enhancing and anti-inflammatory drug, which has the potential to be a unique and impactful treatment option for COPD patients. According to the WHO, COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, and the global economic burden of COPD is projected to cost $4.8 trillion by 2030.