ASX Health Stocks: Immuron jumps 19pc after lead COVID-19 drug benefits published in major journal

The ASX 200 health stocks index (XHJ) had risen by 0.30% at the time of writing, compared to the broader ASX 200 index which is up by 0.74%.

Immuron (ASX:IMC) jumped 19% this morning, after announcing a recent publication of the potential antiviral benefits of its lead drug, IMM-124E.

The research findings were recently published in the Journal Drug Development Research, titled: “Augmented antiviral T cell immunity by oral administration of IMM- 124E in preclinical models and a phase I/IIa clinical trial: : A method for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.”

The paper examined the results of a recent independent study by the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.

That study explored the ability of IMM-124E to promote antiviral interferon-γ (IFNγ) T cell responses in a preclinical mouse model, and also in a Phase I/IIa clinical study.

Data suggested that IMM124E enhanced antiviral immunity across the viral strains tested, in both mice and humans.

Immuron has been pursuing the antiviral activities of IMM-124E, and this publication has lent support to its ongoing R&D program.

The company has previously demonstrated that IMM-124E neutralises activity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19.

It has recently filed a Patent Cooperation Treaty application to seek patent protection internationally for IMM-124E.

Immuron share price today:

Other ASX healthcare stocks with notable announcements

ECS Botanics (ASX:ECS)

The cannabis stock has reported record quarterly revenue in excess of $900k, a 123% increase from the previous quarter.

The record result was mainly driven by domestic medicinal cannabis sales, and ongoing growth in hemp product sales.

To meet increased demand, ECS plans on planting 4,000kg of medicinal cannabis in the coming months with cultivation activities and preparation underway in Tasmania and Victoria.

Starpharma (ASX:SPL)

The company has signed a distribution agreement in Italy to sell its antiviral spray, VIRALEZE.

The deal was signed with Admenta Italia, a company that operates around 260 pharmacies under its LloydsFarmacia brand across Italy.

VIRALEZE, which is already registered in Europe and India, is an antiviral spray that can be applied on the nose to provide a physical barrier between viruses and the nasal mucous membrane.

Lab studies showed that VIRALEZE has potent antiviral and virucidal activity in viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, with results showing a 99.9% efficacy against the highly infectious Delta variant.

Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP)

The company has announced the successful completion of a planned, routine review of the MEND clinical trial by the independent DSMB (Data Safety Monitoring Board).

The DSMB has now recommended the MEND clinical trial continue unchanged.

The MEND trial is a study to investigate early efficacy of Cymerus MSCs in 24 adult patients admitted to intensive care with respiratory failure.

It will be conducted in New South Wales and Victoria in collaboration with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, and investigators from the COVID-19 Stem Cell Treatment (CSCT) Group.