Phase 2, randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled, multicenter study. All patients will receive therapy in line with current standard-of-care as it pertains to ARDS management (protocolized ventilator management will be made available to all sites in accordance with currently accepted standard of care). Patients will be randomized (1:1) to either reparixin or placebo. Duration of treatment will be 14 days. In this study the IMP will be either reparixin or matched placebo, which will be provided in the form of tablets to be disintegrated for naso-gastric tube administration or administered orally after extubation and between extubation and day 14 should the patient be able to swallow. In such cases the IMP may be administered either intact or crushed and mixed with a vehicle as per speech swallow evaluation.
The study will consist of 4 study periods:
Screening Randomization and Baseline assessments, Treatment (14 days with discretionary extension up to 21 days), Follow-up (up to 28 days or hospital discharge, whichever occurs first, and then up to day-60).