DENVER — A biotech company with several Colorado connections is working with National Jewish Health to test a potential therapy for COVID-19.
Olatec is developing a drug that targets an inflammation-causing protein, NLRP3. Severe respiratory distress sometimes seen in COVID-19 patients can be caused by advanced forms of inflammation. Olatec’s drug is intended to prevent that distress and related hospitalizations.
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The treatment could be particularly helpful for those patients who have underlying diseases that put them at further risk for COVID-19.
The drug candidate — an oral pill — is being considered as an at-home Covid-19 therapy. Patients with COVID-19 cases that need medical intervention could take this treatment and convalesce at home instead of being hospitalized.
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