Eleva, a manufacturer of superior biologics, is exploring the potential of one 
of its drug candidates for first-in-line therapy of COVID-19. The compound, 
factor H, is part of the complement system, which is believed to affect the 
severity of the course of COVID-19. Eleva has developed factor H previously for 
a different indication and taken it through pre-clinical stages. 

The complement system is a vital part of the immune system. It recognizes and 
destroys pathogens and protects the body's own cells with a special component, 
factor H. Insufficient amounts of factor H lead to excessive inflammation and 
risk of tissue damage. Emerging evidence suggests that the lung tissue decay 
observed in severe cases of COVID-19 could be caused by this unregulated 
inflammation. Current means to inhibit this process use artificial antibodies 
that block the pathway altogether, stopping the inactivation of pathogens and 
causing a significant risk of infection. Conversely, supplemented factor H 
allows for regulated defence while protecting the host cells. 

Andreas Schaaf, CEO of Eleva, says: "Unlocking novel therapies is our mission. 
This path deserves to be explored and may lead to effective treatment of 
COVID-19." 

Eleva has previously developed recombinant factor H for glomerulopathy and 
taken it through pre-clinical stages. Studies have indicated a significant 
reduction in inflammation and tissue damage when factor H was supplemented. 
Eleva is now looking to accelerate the COVID-19-specific evaluation with a 
pharmaceutical partner. 

About Eleva

Eleva develops novel biological therapies with its pharmaceutical partners. The 
privately-held company leverages its unique moss-based production platform to 
produce supreme biologics like antibodies, replacement enzymes, or fusion 
toxins. Eleva has successfully developed drug candidates into clinical phases. 

Press contact: 
eleva GmbH 
Fabienne Zeitter 
pr@elevabiologics.com 
+49-761-470-99-0 
www.elevabiologics.com

Source: eleva GmbH