The biotech Axcella Therapeutics (Nasdaq:AXLA) has announced positive topline results from a Phase 2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the metabolism-modulator AXA1125 in patients with fatigue from long COVID.
The Phase 2a study was among the first drug studies to focus on long COVID.
In February, FDA granted a Fast Track Designation to AXA1125 to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver fibrosis.
Because of AXA1125’s potential to improve mitochondrial function, bioenergetics and inflammation, Axcella decided to study its ability to improve fatigue symptoms from long COVID. Fatigue is among the most common symptoms associated with long COVID.
Long COVID appears to be similar to post-viral fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalitis.
Partnering with the University of Oxford, Axcella identified multiple endpoints to consider in studying AXA1125 in long COVID patients. Endpoints included phosphocreatine recovery…