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Synonyms: MP-0420 | MP0420
Compound class:
Peptide or derivative
Comment: Ensovibep (MP0420) is a 'designed ankyrin repeat protein', or DARPin, that is engineered to contain domains that bind to the same epitope region within the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein RBD but with three different antigen-binding sequences. It is designed to bind to the spike protein with high affinity, with the aim of neutralizing the virus. MP0420 was developed by Molecular Partners for antiviral potential in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [2]. Preclinical data (unpublished as of March 2021) is claimed to support MP0420's potential efficacy as both a prophylactic and as an acute therapy. DARPins have properties that make them easier to maufacture, store, transport and administer compared to full sequence antibodies. Molecular Partners have partnered with Novartis to progress MP0420 through manufacturing and clinical development.
MP0423 is a second high-affinity anti-SARS-CoV-2 DARPin in Molecular Partners' pipeline. Like MP0420, MP0423 is tri-specific, but it simultaneously targets three different parts of the coronavirus spike glycoprotein. |
| No information available. |
Summary of Clinical Use  |
| It is expected that MP0420 will be included in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' (NIAID) global Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) program, and specifically in the ACTIV-3 trial. ACTIV-3 (NCT04501978) is a flexible trial that aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of different drugs for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In mid-March 2021, bamlanivimab (LY3819253), remdesivir, sotrovimab (VIR-7831), BRII-196/BRII-198 (Brii Biosciences' SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing mAb cocktail) and AZD7442 (AstraZeneca's anti-spike mAb cocktail containing tixagevimab and cilgavimab) were included in ACTIV-3. Novartis and Molecular Partners are progressing Phase 1 and 2 trials of MP0420 (as of May 2021), with a Phase 2/3 study (EMPATHY) readying to begin recruitment. The mid-late stage studies will recruit ambulatory patients with symptomatic COVID-19 disease. |
| Clinical Trials | |||||
| Clinical Trial ID | Title | Type | Source | Comment | References |
| NCT04828161 | A Dose Finding, Efficacy and Safety Study of Ensovibep (MP0420) in Ambulatory Adult Patients With Symptomatic COVID-19 | Phase 2/Phase 3 Interventional | Molecular Partners AG | ||
| NCT04870164 | Safety, Tolerability and PK of Ensovibep (MP0420 - a New Candidate With Potential for Treatment of COVID-19) | Phase 1 Interventional | Molecular Partners AG | ||
| NCT04834856 | Viral Clearance, PK and Tolerability of Ensovibep in COVID-19 Patients | Phase 2 Interventional | Molecular Partners AG | ||
