4 August 2020 - - US-based biotechnology company Neutrolis has developed NTR-441, a first-in-class DNASE1L3 enzyme analog that has the potential to rapidly and systemically clear neutrophil extracellular traps for severe cases of COVID-19, the company said.

NETs are a fundamental arm of the immune system and play an important role in chronic and acute diseases.

Several independent investigators have observed NETs in the lungs of autopsied COVID-19 patients, and observed that NETs biomarkers in patient blood correlate with the clinical severity of COVID-19.

NTR-441--an engineered analog of the natural NET-destroying enzyme DNASE1L3--is the world's first investigational drug that can be systemically delivered to accurately target NETs.

In patients with severe COVID-19, the circulating levels of DNASE1L3 are not adequate to counteract the rapid and systemic formation of NETs.

According to the company, NTR-441 has the potential to systemically clear NETs in the vasculature and end organs like the lungs in patients suffering from severe COVID-19.

NETs are sticky, web-like structures made of chromatin--DNA studded with structural proteins--and expelled by suicidal neutrophils.

NETs block air sacs and blood vessels in the lungs, trigger hyperinflammation and blood clotting (thrombosis), potentially causing irreversible end-organ damage and death.

Neutrolis is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class therapies that target neutrophils and their pathogenic products, including NETs. Neutrolis' proprietary platform, Chromatinase, is based on the naturally occurring enzymes that break down the extracellular chromatin that form NETs.

The company's lead product, NTR-441, is a patented, first-in-class, engineered DNASE1L3 analog with potential application in COVID-19, ARDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and other NET-mediated diseases.

Neutrolis has received two competitive LabCentral Golden Ticket awards from Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY).