Sotira has announced the successful completion of the second phase of pre-clinical testing for its COVID-19 therapeutic and vaccine-alternative, KEPTIDE? COVID, confirming this molecular therapy completely prevented the entry of SARS-CoV2 in the lungs and kidney. This latest study was tested on humanized K18-hACE2 mice. These mice express human ACE2, the receptor used by the virus to gain entry to cells. The Sotira scientific team also found that the intranasal treatment of KEPTIDE?, 30 minutes before viral administration, not only protects injuries in lungs and kidney, but also prevents acute death response in these humanized mice.

Sotira also collaborated with CDC-approved Coppe Laboratories to successfully complete their virus study in a BSL-3 environment.

"When the pandemic struck, we wanted to craft a targeted intervention that, unlike a vaccine or existing medical treatment, was specifically designed to prevent the virus from attaching to ACE-2 receptors in your mid-respiratory area," Dr. Gottschalk, said.

• KEPTIDE? acts as a blocker that protects the receptor cells in the human body that serve as a gateway for COVID-19.

• KEPTIDE? targets the cells in the human body most at risk for infection vs. targeting the virus which continues to mutate in unpredictable ways.

• The design of KEPTIDE? and its microscopic size prevent it from altering the normal function of these critical receptor cells.

• The ingredients of KEPTIDE? are currently used in many therapeutic domains and animal studies have shown absolutely zero toxicity.

• It is equally effective for the most at-risk populations, including the elderly and the immunocompromised.

• This blocking mechanism prevents the spread and infection of the virus into the rest of the body.