Breakthrough Discovery by Applied Biology Scientists and Brown University Researchers Paves Way for a Generic Anti-Androgen as a Treatment for COVID-19
IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#COVID19–While studying the genetics of the androgen receptor in male pattern baldness, a team of scientists discovered a possible breakthrough treatment for COVID-19.
The team, led by Andy Goren, MD, Medical Advisor to the Department of Dermatology of the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Carlos G. Wambier, MD, PhD, Director of Cosmetic Research at the Department of Dermatology of the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and John McCoy, PhD, Vice President of R&D at Applied Biology, along with other collaborators, have published their discovery in the medical journal Dermatologic Therapy. The manuscript, “What Does Androgenetic Alopecia have to do with COVID-19? An Insight into a Potential New Therapy” (doi: 10.1111/dth.13365), elucidates the possible role of androgens in controlling the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cells.
According to Dr. Goren, “Our earlier discovery potentially links SARS-CoV-2 infectivity to androgens, the same hormones implicated in male pattern baldness and prostate cancer.” According to Dr. Wambier, “Based on our discovery, we hypothesize that anti-androgen drugs could potentially be used as a treatment for COVID-19.”
To test their hypothesis, the team has joined efforts with renowned endocrinologist Flavio A. Cadegiani, MD, MSc, PhD. Dr. Cadegiani is the medical director of the Corpometria Institute in Brazil. Currently, Brazil is the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Cadegiani: “I am excited to participate in the international effort to study anti-androgens in COVID-19.” More information about the study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04446429) is available at clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04446429?term=NCT04446429&draw=2&rank=1).
ABOUT APPLIED BIOLOGY
Founded in 2002, Applied Biology, Inc. (www.appliedbiology.com), headquartered in Irvine, California, is a biotechnology company specializing in hair and skin science. Applied Biology develops breakthrough drugs and medical devices for the treatment of androgen mediated dermatological conditions. Applied Biology’s R&D pipeline includes a topically applied prophylactic treatment for chemotherapy induced alopecia; a novel diagnostic device that can aid dermatologists in identifying non-responders to topical minoxidil; an adjuvant therapy for non-responders to topical minoxidil; and a novel therapy for female pattern hair loss.
Contacts
Monica Naegle
(949) 387-4526
press@appliedbiology.com
www.appliedbiology.com