Bristol, Tennessee firm signs contract to co-produce drug being tested for COVID-19 pneumonia

UPM Pharmaceuticals of Bristol, Tennessee has entered into a manufacturing agreement with a Raleigh, North Carolina company to produce a medication currently in trials for COVID-19 pneumonia treatment.

The drug Opaganib still awaits approval from the FDA. UPM will contract with Red Hill Biopharma to mass-produce the product and both companies said that the green light for patient use could come in the early months of 2021.

Preclinical data shows the chemical has been effective in reduce inflammatory lung disorders and mitigate pulmonary fibrotic damage.

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