Enkorten

Enkorten is a fixed-dose combination immunomodulatory biologic developed by Bosnalijek D.D., consisting of two neuropeptides: metenkefalin (5 mg) and tridecactide (1 mg). Metenkefalin acts as a delta-type opioid receptor agonist, while tridecactide is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the first 13 amino acids of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also known as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Originally approved in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, Enkorten has been repositioned for COVID-19. It aims to mitigate the cytokine storm in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia by modulating Th1 cell activity and stimulating leukocytes. A Phase 2/3 clinical trial (NCT04374032) completed in 2020 indicated that the drug is safe and effective as an adjunct to standard care in hospitalized patients.

Brand names

Enkorten

Other names

metenkefalin + tridecactide