SHAREHOLDER ALERT
In news released on Tuesday, the Company announced that in vitro research being independently conducted at a U.S. Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) revealed Brilacidin reduced the viral titer (load) of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, by 75 percent as compared to vehicle control after only 1 hour of preincubation prior to infection. The concentration of Brilacidin tested was 10μM.
Brilacidin’s potent virucidal ability to rapidly inactivate (essentially “kill”) the novel coronavirus upon contact distinguishes it from all other known anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates in development. Gilead’s remdesivir, along with other antivirals being repurposed to treat SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., lopinavir, ritonavir, favipiravir, etc.), act only to prevent viral replication once host cells have already been infected by the novel coronavirus. Whereas Brilacidin, prior to infection, has the potential both to disrupt the virus directly and prevent viral entry into host cells, in addition to inhibiting viral replication post-infection—making for three distinct potential direct antiviral mechanisms of action.
Below is information and a graphic that illustrates how Brilacidin is well-positioned to emerge as a possible breakthrough drug and the gold standard for treating coronaviruses and potentially other viral diseases, given its multiple antiviral and other complementary therapeutic properties.
Proposed Targets/Mechanisms of Action of Brilacidin Against SARS-CoV-2
1) Antiviral—Virucidal Property (pre-infection, disrupting the viral envelope/destroying the virus)
2) Antiviral—Blocking Property (pre-infection, preventing viral attachment/viral entry to host cells)
3) Antiviral—Inhibitory Property (post-infection, interfering with viral replication intracellularly)
4) Anti-Inflammatory Property (post-infection, suppressing IL-6 and other pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
5) Anti-Bacterial Property (post-infection, helping to resolve secondary infections that can affect up to 20 percent of COVID-19 patients)
In a previous Phase 2b clinical trial, Brilacidin was proven to have potent bactericidal properties against difficult Gram-positive Infections (ABSSSI), including methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA). (See above #5).
Exhibiting multiple antiviral mechanisms of action and other complementary therapeutic properties would likely greatly enhance Brilacidin’s efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) while decreasing the chances of mutational-driven resistance to the drug.
Research and evaluation of Brilacidin against SARS-CoV-2 using both VERO and human cells continues at the RBL. The Company’s expects to release data on multiple studies over the coming weeks.
Adapted from: Sorbera LA, et al. “Taking Aim at Fast-Moving Target: Targets to Watch for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19” (pdf). Drugs of the Future, 45(4):1-6 (Advanced Publication). Clarivate Analytics.
1 See May 19, 2020 Press Release
2 See May 26, 2020 Press Release; Wang C, et al (2020); Whisenant J and K Burgess (2020); and Kit O and Y Kit (2020)
3 See Cavasotto C and JD Filippo (2020); Pant S, et al (2020)
4 Data on file
5 Date on file
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