Thomas Blaettler, MD, the Chief Medical Office of Orphazyme, has released a statement to the global community regarding the status of the ongoing arimoclomol clinical trials during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Arimoclomol is currently being studied for possible use in treating inclusion body myositis (sIBM), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), and Gaucher Disease.
At this time, the clinical trials are expected to continue as planned.
The statement include the following message:
“Our trials were designed to limit the burden of participation for patients and their families where possible. As such, we are already utilizing novel measures such as telehealth, home nursing services, ‘direct to patient’ shipment of investigational medical product (IMP) and limiting the need for patient travel to try and minimize the potential for exposure to the virus.”
Since many people with IBM are over 50 years of age and may have dysphagia and weakness of their breathing muscles, they are at higher risk if they acquire COVID-19. Therefore Orphazyme is taking steps to minimize participants exposure to other people.