Noxopharm has released preliminary top-line data from its NOXCOVID Phase I clinical trial testing the suitability of idronoxil (Veyonda), a TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) inhibitor, as an anti-inflammatory in patients with moderate COVID-19 disease. Based on initial positive results, Noxopharm has started discussions to add Veyonda to one of the global clinical trial programs looking at identifying effective anti-inflammatory therapies in COVID-19 disease. The relevance of blocking TBK1 is seen as important in two respects: ability to block a dysfunctional immune response to RNA viruses such as coronavirus and influenza virus; potential to avoid the adverse immune-suppressing effects of standard anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone and dexamethasone in potentially slowing viral clearance and increasing the risk of secondary infections.