E4 is a naturally occurring estrogen produced by the liver of the human fetus, passing in maternal blood at relatively high levels during pregnancy
Male-female immune differences
Recent epidemiological studies in
Estrogen's protective effect
This immuno-sexual difference was already observed with other infectious diseases caused by human coronaviruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). An American study showed that male mice infected with the SARS virus developed more frequent, more severe and often more fatal infections than female mice2. In addition, removal of the ovaries or administration of anti-estrogens in females aggravated infection and increased fatalities, demonstrating the protective role played by estrogen. Estrogen acts on a protein known as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and enables its expression to be reduced. This ACE2 protein specifically serves as a gateway for certain coronaviruses (such as the one that causes Covid-19) to enter human cells.
'It would be very interesting to investigate further the effect of estrogen, in particular Estetrol, on the immune response of patients affected by Covid-19,' comments
Estetrol's unique profile
'Studies are currently underway at two US hospitals to see if hormones can have an impact on the disease, especially in men,' says
'Men and women react differently to viral respiratory infections, due to different responses of innate immune cells,' adds Professor
Following epidemiological and clinical data, Mithra has decided to launch a research program on the potential beneficial impact of Estetrol in the treatment of Covid-19. The protocol for this program is currently being developed in consultation with various international experts active in Covid-19 research. This Phase II study should be conducted in late 2020 on both male and female patients infected with the virus.
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About Estetrol (E4)
E4 is a natural estrogen produced by the human fetus, which passes into maternal blood during pregnancy. Thanks to its favorable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile, E4 potentially represents a major breakthrough in various therapeutic fields like contraception and menopause. Potential benefits of E4 include a favorable VTE risk profile, lower breast pain and lower carcinogenic potential in the presence of E2, favorable drug-drug interaction profile, minimal increase of triglycerides, good user acceptability, body weight control, excellent cycle control, improved spotting and general well-being.3 Its safety margin and tolerability also present an opportunity to investigate its use in other areas of
About Mithra
Important information
The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, 'forward-looking statements'. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words 'believes', 'estimates,' 'anticipates', 'expects', 'intends', 'may', 'will', 'plans', 'continue', 'ongoing', 'potential', 'predict', 'project', 'target', 'seek' or 'should', and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.
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