Evotec partner Bayer: Phase IIb trial shows eliapixant significantly decreases cough frequency in patients with refractory chronic cough

Berlin, Germany, 06 September 2021:
Evotec partner Bayer today reported more detailed results from PAGANINI, the Phase IIb dose-finding study evaluating the efficacy and safety of eliapixant in patients with refractory chronic cough (“RCC”). Eliapixant (BAY1817080) is an investigational orally administered, potent and selective P2X3 receptor antagonist derived from a former multi-target research collaboration between Bayer and Evotec. 

More detailed results, which were presented during the virtual European Respiratory Society (“ERS”) International Congress 2021, show that a twice daily 75 mg dose of eliapixant achieved a statistically significant reduction in the 24-hour cough count (average hourly cough frequency based on 24-hour sound recordings) of up to 27% over placebo after 12 weeks of treatment.

Eliapixant also demonstrated a positive risk-benefit profile, with the vast majority of adverse events considered mild or moderate. Taste-related adverse events were reported in 24% of patients treated with the highest dose of eliapixant, 150 mg twice daily, and markedly less in patients receiving lower doses. As a result, Bayer concludes that eliapixant may have the potential for safe and effective long-term use.