COLLEGE PARK, Ga., July 7, 2026
Altesa BioSciences has announced that new clinical findings for vapendavir, its investigational oral rhinovirus capsid inhibitor, have been selected for an oral presentation at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2026, highlighting growing momentum behind the company’s respiratory disease pipeline. The presentation, scheduled for September 9, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain, will feature data demonstrating that vapendavir significantly reduces inflammatory biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients following rhinovirus challenge. The study will be presented by renowned respiratory expert Dr. Sebastian Johnston of VirTus Respiratory Research, London, and is expected to provide new insights into the role of antiviral therapy in addressing one of the leading causes of COPD exacerbations. The selection of the abstract for an oral presentation reflects the scientific significance of the findings and reinforces Altesa BioSciences’ commitment to developing innovative antiviral therapies for respiratory diseases with significant unmet medical need.
New Clinical Findings Highlight Vapendavir’s Anti-Inflammatory Potential
The accepted abstract, titled “Inflammatory biomarkers are reduced by vapendavir treatment in rhinovirus-challenged COPD patients,” summarizes results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled rhinovirus challenge study evaluating the impact of vapendavir on innate immune responses. The findings indicate that treatment with the investigational oral antiviral significantly reduces inflammatory biomarkers associated with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), a major cause of hospitalization, declining lung function, and increased mortality among patients with chronic lung disease.
Because rhinovirus is responsible for approximately 50% of COPD exacerbations, the ability to directly target viral infection while reducing inflammation could represent a major advancement in respiratory medicine. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Katharine Knobil emphasized that selection for an oral presentation at the prestigious ERS Congress validates the strength of the clinical program and underscores vapendavir’s potential to transform treatment strategies for patients vulnerable to respiratory viral infections.
Phase 2b CARDINAL Trial Advances Respiratory Antiviral Program
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Altesa BioSciences continues to advance vapendavir through its Phase 2b CARDINAL clinical trial, which recently enrolled its first patient. The study is designed to evaluate whether treatment with vapendavir can improve upper and lower airway symptoms, shorten illness duration, preserve small airway lung function, and reduce disease severity compared with placebo following rhinovirus infection. Currently, there are no FDA-approved antiviral treatments or vaccines targeting rhinovirus, despite its significant contribution to COPD exacerbations worldwide. Vapendavir is being developed to fill this major therapeutic gap by addressing the underlying viral cause of disease rather than only treating symptoms after exacerbations occur. If future clinical studies continue to demonstrate positive efficacy and safety results, the investigational therapy could establish a first-in-class antiviral treatment for rhinovirus-associated respiratory disease and significantly improve outcomes for millions of COPD patients globally.
With respiratory viral infections remaining a major healthcare challenge, Altesa BioSciences’ clinical development program represents an important step toward delivering targeted antiviral therapies capable of reducing inflammation, preventing disease progression, and improving quality of life for patients living with chronic respiratory conditions. The upcoming presentation at ERS International Congress 2026 is expected to generate considerable interest among clinicians, respiratory researchers, and pharmaceutical developers focused on advancing innovative therapies for chronic lung diseases.
Source: Altesa BioSciences press release
