Researchers Behind COVID-19 RECOVERY Trial Launch New Monkeypox Treatment Trial

• The U.K.-based Oxford University researchers behind the COVID-19 treatment trial RECOVERY are back again, this time for a randomized controlled trial assessing SIGA Technologies Inc's (NASDAQ: SIGA) smallpox treatment Tpoxx (tecovirimat) for monkeypox.

• The National Institute For Health and Care Research (NIHR) has commissioned and funded the study with a £3.7 million award. The first patients have now been recruited.

• The FDA approved tecovirimat in 2018 for smallpox in adults and children. The CDC has been using an expanded access program for monkeypox.

• Also Read: Experts Cast Doubt On Dependence On Monkeypox Vaccine Amid Limited Trial Data, Supply Crunch.

• And although the antiviral is only approved as a smallpox treatment, its FDA approval was based on studies in nonhuman primates infected with monkeypox.

• The trial of tecovirimat in non-hospitalized monkeypox patients will test the efficacy and safety of tecovirimat for monkeypox.

• The trial is looking to enroll about 500 participants. The trial will test 600 mg of tecovirimat twice daily for 14 days versus a placebo.

• Price Action: SIGA shares are down 4.80% at $21.21 on the last check Tuesday.

See more from Benzinga

• Experts Cast Doubt On Dependence On Monkeypox Vaccine Amid Limited Trial Data, Supply Crunch

• Applied DNA Seeks Approval For PCR-Based Monkeypox Virus Test

Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better.

© 2022 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.