News
August 22, 2025
Traws Pharma Receives Approval to Launch Phase 2 Trials for Ritonavir-Free COVID Treatment
NEWTOWN, PA — Traws Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRAW) announced it has received approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to begin Phase 2 clinical trials of ratutrelvir, a ritonavir-free ...
NEWTOWN, PA — In a promising development for COVID-19 treatment, Traws Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRAW), a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies, has announced it has received the green light to proceed with Phase 2 clinical trials for its novel antiviral candidate, ratutrelvir. The approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), paving the way for the next stage in evaluating the drug's safety and efficacy.
Ratutrelvir distinguishes itself from many existing COVID-19 treatments due to its ritonavir-free formulation. Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor often co-administered with other antiviral drugs to boost their effectiveness by slowing down their metabolism in the body. While effective, ritonavir can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects and drug interactions, presenting challenges for certain patient populations.
The Phase 2 trials will be crucial in assessing how well ratutrelvir works in treating COVID-19 without the need for ritonavir. Researchers will be carefully monitoring patients enrolled in the study to evaluate the drug's ability to reduce viral load, alleviate symptoms, and prevent disease progression. The trial will also focus on identifying any potential side effects associated with ratutrelvir.
"This approval from the HREC marks a significant milestone for Traws Pharma," said a company spokesperson. "We believe ratutrelvir has the potential to offer a valuable alternative for patients seeking COVID-19 treatment, particularly those who may be sensitive to ritonavir or taking medications that interact with it."
The company anticipates beginning patient enrollment in the Phase 2 trials in the coming weeks. Further details regarding the trial design, patient eligibility criteria, and participating clinical sites will be released soon. The results of these trials will be instrumental in determining the future development path for ratutrelvir and its potential to become a widely available treatment option in the fight against COVID-19. The progress of Traws Pharma's ratutrelvir will be closely watched by healthcare professionals and patients alike, as the world continues to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by the virus.
Ratutrelvir distinguishes itself from many existing COVID-19 treatments due to its ritonavir-free formulation. Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor often co-administered with other antiviral drugs to boost their effectiveness by slowing down their metabolism in the body. While effective, ritonavir can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects and drug interactions, presenting challenges for certain patient populations.
The Phase 2 trials will be crucial in assessing how well ratutrelvir works in treating COVID-19 without the need for ritonavir. Researchers will be carefully monitoring patients enrolled in the study to evaluate the drug's ability to reduce viral load, alleviate symptoms, and prevent disease progression. The trial will also focus on identifying any potential side effects associated with ratutrelvir.
"This approval from the HREC marks a significant milestone for Traws Pharma," said a company spokesperson. "We believe ratutrelvir has the potential to offer a valuable alternative for patients seeking COVID-19 treatment, particularly those who may be sensitive to ritonavir or taking medications that interact with it."
The company anticipates beginning patient enrollment in the Phase 2 trials in the coming weeks. Further details regarding the trial design, patient eligibility criteria, and participating clinical sites will be released soon. The results of these trials will be instrumental in determining the future development path for ratutrelvir and its potential to become a widely available treatment option in the fight against COVID-19. The progress of Traws Pharma's ratutrelvir will be closely watched by healthcare professionals and patients alike, as the world continues to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by the virus.
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