New therapy to reduce severe COVID-19 damage using renalase
Official title: New target and new therapy for severe Covid-19 and viral hyperinflammation damage: renalase and renalase agonists
Funded at Bessor Pharma, LLC · NIH-10924059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called BP-1002 to help reduce inflammation and protect the organs of people with severe COVID-19, with the hope that it can improve their recovery and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bessor Pharma, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Framingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $296,931 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AI170278-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms or complications related to the virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms or those who have fully recovered from the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapeutic agent called BP-1002, which aims to reduce inflammation and protect tissues in patients suffering from severe COVID-19. BP-1002 acts as a renalase agonist, promoting cell survival and downregulating inflammatory responses through specific signaling pathways. The approach involves synthesizing a stable and easily manufactured version of renalase that can be administered to patients. Preliminary data suggest that this therapy could significantly improve outcomes for those affected by COVID-19 and its complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that prevents organ injury and reduces mortality in severe COVID-19 cases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting inflammatory responses in viral infections, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Bessor Pharma, LLC
Framingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkowitz, Barry a — Bessor Pharma, LLC
- Study coordinator: Berkowitz, Barry a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.