Announcing positive results from a pilot study, shares of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRPX) have nearly doubled in value on the US stock charts today. As of the latest market assessment, VRPX stock has surged by 99.04%, reaching $2.30.
Promising Study Results for Probudur
Virpax Pharmaceuticals disclosed the results of a Swine Model pilot study for Probudur, their long-acting liposomal bupivacaine formulation designed for injection at wound sites to provide both immediate and extended pain relief. The purpose of the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety investigation was to ascertain Probudur’s PK profile and pinpoint any negative effects on the pigs.
In the study, Probudur was subcutaneously injected into four juvenile domestic pigs at a dose of 30 mg/kg. The formulation was well-tolerated by all pigs and demonstrated a long-term, slow-release profile. Histopathological analysis at the injection site also confirmed Probudur’s favorable tolerance in all subjects.
Future Prospects and Strategic Developments
The consistent positive results from the Probudur studies bolster Virpax’s belief in its potential to provide both immediate and sustained pain relief at wound sites. The company is negotiating additional funding from a new institutional investor and is conducting the remaining necessary studies. Virpax aims to file its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for Probudur by the end of the year.
In authorized indications, Probudur is being developed to drastically reduce or completely remove the requirement for opioids after surgery. It functions as a local anesthetic by binding to sodium channels and preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated Probudur’s efficacy in providing long-duration pain control for at least 96 hours, with a rat incisional model showing analgesia for up to five days and in vitro studies indicating a slow release of bupivacaine lasting up to six days.
This week, Virpax also secured a $2.5 million loan from an institutional investor, facilitating the final payment of its litigation settlement. In conjunction with this financing, the Virpax Board of Directors underwent reorganization, reducing from eight to seven members. Four new board members were appointed by the institutional investor, and five members resigned.
