Following Lab Test, Eagle Pharma Looks to Test MH Drug Ryanodex Against COVID-19

In a controlled laboratory test, Eagle Pharmaceuticals’ malignant hyperthermia treatment Ryanodex (dantrolene sodium) inhibited the growth of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the company hopes to launch a clinical trial testing the efficacy of the drug in patients. In the in vitro tests, Ryanodex demonstrated antiviral activity and a lack of cytotoxicity. Two days after dosing, the in vitro results showed an absence of cytopathic effects in the infected cells. This morning, New Jersey-based Eagle Pharmaceutical submitted its Investigational New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to launch a Phase II trial in partnership with Hackensack University Medical Center to evaluate the efficacy of Ryanodex in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The company said it has been in contact with the FDA’s Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program to request a potential expedited review of the IND application and aims to begin the clinical trial as soon as possible.