Importance of airway epithelium in lung function highlighted in article in peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Allergy

Importance of airway epithelium in lung function highlighted in article in peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Allergy

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – 30 October 2025 – EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals (‘EpiEndo’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of oral anti-inflammatory drugs which enhance the host defence response to inhaled pathogens, has had an article published in peer-reviewed journal, Frontiers in Allergy.

The review article, titled Promoting Immune Defensive Responses of Epithelial Cells in Airway Disease [here], was authored by EpiEndo’s Prof. Michael Parnham (Senior Advisor), Dr Ginny Norris (CMO), and Dr Jennifer Kricker (Head of Research). The article highlights the importance of the airway epithelium in lung function, both as a physical barrier and as a regulator of immune defence. It also explores the role of epithelial alarmins and collectins in the host defence response, with particular focus on surfactant proteins, SP-A and SP-D.

Alarmins, as their name suggests, function as danger signals, while collectins typically identify and neutralize pathogens. During inflammation, they work together to influence the host defence response in diseases such as COPD. In COPD and asthma, where the epithelial barrier and immune defences are compromised, SP-D in particular contributes to resolution of inflammation in several ways including boosting the early immune response.

EpiEndo’s approach with lead asset glasmacinal, an orally available macrolide with reduced antimicrobial resistance (AMR) potential, builds on this understanding, aiming to stimulate the epithelial immune response and enhance SP-D activity to strengthen airway defence and break the cycle of COPD exacerbations.

Dr Jennifer Kricker, Head of Research at EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals commented:

“This review article has collated existing knowledge and data on the role of the airway epithelium in lung function and in regulating the host defence response to pathogens, highlighting its importance and providing an enhanced understanding of how these elements interact.”

“This is essential for our understanding of how glasmacinal works to enhance the host defence response to challenges such as viruses, bacteria and pollution, and for enabling us to develop glasmacinal as a potentially impactful treatment to reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD.”

-ENDS-

Contact:

EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals:
Maria Bech, CEO
+354 454 0090­­­

Vigo Consulting (media relations):
Rozi Morris
+44 20 7390 0230
epiendo@vigoconsulting.com

About EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals (www.epiendo.com)

EpiEndo is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a unique approach to chronic respiratory diseases that focuses on the role of epithelial function in various inflammatory disorders.

EpiEndo’s new class of orally available macrolides, with reduced antimicrobial resistance (AMR) potential, known as ‘Barriolides™’, show promise as first-in-class therapeutics for chronic respiratory diseases as well as other inflammatory indications. EpiEndo’s lead asset, glasmacinal, was the first Barriolide™ to enter clinical trials, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Glasmacinal aims to be a first on-market oral treatment which is anti-inflammatory and enhances the host defense response to inhaled pathogens such as viruses, bacteria & pollution.​ Therefore, glasmacinal has the potential to become an impactful treatment in reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD.

According to the WHO, COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, and the global economic burden of COPD is projected to cost $4.8 trillion by 2030.