Drug developer JanOne Inc (Nasdaq:JAN) said on Thursday that it has entered into an agreement with CATO SMS, a contract research organization (CRO), to help expand JanOne's current FDA authorized Investigational New Drug (IND) for JAN101 to treat vascular complications to potentially restore endothelial cell function in COVID-19 patients.

JAN101, an oral, sustained release formulation of sodium nitrite, is also expected to enter Phase 2b trials in early 2021 to treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

CATO SMS will work with the JanOne leadership team and scientific advisory board to execute submission of an investigator-initiated IND for use of JAN101 as a potential treatment for certain aspects of bodily damage created by COVID-19.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates the possibility that the respiratory complications from COVID-19 may originate from restrictions and damage to the vascular system and endothelial cell dysfunction. Previous JAN101 clinical studies have shown promise in repairing and restoring vascular function with minimal adverse events, which may be beneficial to COVID-19 patients.