They identified BC 007, a DNA-based aptamer that could specifically target and neutralize functional autoantibodies directed against G protein-coupled receptors. A Phase I study was conducted where BC 007 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated.
Since the development of functional autoantibodies directed against G protein-coupled receptors can most likely be attributed to viral infections in general, in the combat of the sequelae of the pandemic of Covid-19 it was decided to investigate if these functional autoantibodies were present in patients with Long Covid Syndrome (LCS). In more than 90% of the patients, a specific pattern of autoantibodies has been detected (Wallukat et al. 2021).
At the University Hospital of Erlangen (Germany), four individual patients with an extremely pronounced LCS were treated with BC 007 under compassionate use conditions All patients demonstrated remarkable signs of recovery after a single infusion with BC 007. A double-blind randomized phase II clinical trial is now underway to confirm these promising observations.
Berlin cures recently completed a Phase IIa study in subjects with heart failure. Results demonstrated that that treatment with BC 007 resulted in a clear and clinically meaningful improvement in their heart ejection fraction. Furthermore, long-lasting neutralization of functional autoantibodies of more than 12 months was observed following treatment. Encouraged by these clinical observations, Berlin Cures plans to conduct a Phase IIb in subjects with advanced heart failure.
