MicroA is a small biotechnology company producing ingredients derived from microalgae. MicroA’s research in microalgae ingredients resulted in the selection of a unique microalgal-derived sulfated polysaccharide (designated MA001) for further development as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) for the treatment of acute episodes and/or maintenance therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. MA001 showed potent anti-inflammatory effect in an in-vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced model of pulmonary inflammation, and an anti-viral effect in an in-vivo mice model against respiratory syncytial virus, both using topical lung delivery. MA001 also showed broad spectrum anti-viral activity in vitro. The anti-viral study demonstrated both prophylactic and therapeutic effects of MA001 at 10-fold higher potency than the anti-viral drug standard, Ribavirin. In the acute pulmonary inflammation study, MA001 caused reduction in neutrophil infiltration of the lungs, and dose range reduction of key inflammatory markers, all key drivers of lung inflammation in patients with COPD. The presumed multifaceted activity is an innovative feature of MA001 that allows the reduction of inflammation whilst minimizing the risk of viral infections, one of the key drivers severity and complications. COPD is a non-curable disease affecting more than 390 million individuals and the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. Nearly 90% of COPD deaths in <70 year old patients occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Smoking accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries, and 30-40% in LMIC, with air pollution as another major (and increasing) risk factor.