Grifols’ Post

Host-targeted antiviral (HTA) drugs are medications that target specific host factors or processes essential for the replication of viruses within host cells. Unlike traditional antiviral drugs, which directly target viral components, such as viral proteins or enzymes, host-targeted antiviral drugs interfere with host cell functions that viruses exploit during infection. These drugs can offer several potential advantages, including broad-spectrum activity against multiple viruses and reduced likelihood of viral resistance development. In a recent article in Antiviral Research (225:105840), Schreiber et al. compared the HTA Zapnometinib (ZMN), with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) (Remdesivir (RDV), Molnupiravir (MPV), Nirmatrelvir (NTV), Ritonavir (RTV), Paxlovid PAX)), in terms of their potency to induce reduced drug susceptibilities in SARS-CoV-2. They also observed that reduced DAA efficacy did not alter the efficacy of ZMN. The results indicate that the HTA ZMN represents a barrier towards the development of SARS-CoV-2 resistance and has the potential to act against partially DAA-insensitive viruses. #AMR #resistance #drugs #antiviral #sarscov2 https://lnkd.in/eQuVGrY3

Histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) acts as an hACE2-independent receptor for SARS-CoV-2.

Histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) acts as an hACE2-independent receptor for SARS-CoV-2.

NanoViricides (NYSE-A:NNVC) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TheraCour Pharma, granting it the right of first refusal on all antiviral drug developments. This agreement expands NanoViricides (NYSE-A:NNVC)’ access to critical intellectual property, enhancing its ability to develop treatments for a wide range of viral infections. The company's lead drug, NV-387, has shown superior efficacy in preclinical trials against several viruses and is slated to enter Phase 2 trials for conditions like RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. The MOU also allows NanoViricides to quickly add new antiviral indications to its pipeline, leveraging... http://ow.ly/OV8R105JXtW

Histamine receptor 1 acts as an independent receptor for SARS-CoV-2 In this in vitro and animal study, the research group from China investigated whether histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) acts as an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2)-independent receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). These authors and others have previously discovered that antihistamine drugs, particularly histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) antagonists, potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study revealed that HRH1 acts as an independent receptor for SARS-CoV-2, binding directly to the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S protein. Furthermore, HRH1 synergistically enhanced ACE2-dependent viral entry by directly interacting with ACE2. This could be inhibited by the competitive binding of antihistamine drugs to HRH1. In transgenic hACE2 mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2, acrivastine treatment inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors concluded that they provided compelling evidence that HRH1 acts as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and that the administration of antihistamine drugs could be used as a potential treatment for COVID-19. #histamine #SARSCoV2 https://lnkd.in/ext8kB-t

More evidence that #biotechnology and #pharmaceuticalinnovation in general continues to thrive. 2023 saw continued, robust #venturecapital investment, #mergersandacquisitions activity, and new #drugapproval. The news from JPMorgan Chase & Co. Healthcare Conference next week should be exciting! So why the doom and gloom? The robust number of new approvals represents a vital pipeline of product that have years of government-granted exclusivity ahead. While public offerings were languid in 2023, this was true for every sector, not just biotechnology. Moreover, while layoffs in biotech continue to make news, the number of job openings remains extraordinarily high. (Still waiting for end-of-year numbers.) Much of the doom and gloom comes from shareholders who made no investment in the success of the industry but expect ever increasing payouts from the proceeds of drug sales. Their sentiments need to be recognized, but should not be conflated with those of the innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors in emerging companies who daily create the future. Bentley University Center for Health and Business, Center for Integration of Science and Industry at Bentley University, Bentley University, #pharmaceutical, #drugdevelopment

The US Food and Drug Administration approved 55 novel drugs in 2023 - the second highest total in the past three decades - as well as several other landmark products. This annual round-up article by Asher Mullard highlights the trends and a selection of the most interesting new arrivals, including the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy, the first vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus and a cluster of bispecific antibodies for cancer. https://lnkd.in/eYncrEV6

Australian antiviral drug development company Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd has completed dosing for the Phase 2a component of its ISLA-101 Phase 2a/b clinical trial in dengue fever. The study, known as PROTECT, is based on years of research by the US Army, using an attenuated strain of the dengue virus to simulate a mild but clinically significant infection in a controlled environment. The trial investigates both preventative and therapeutic measures for dengue fever, a virus that affects over 400 million people annually and currently has no therapeutic treatments. Phase 2a focuses on a prophylactic arm, involving four subjects (randomised 3:1 active-to-placebo). On October 4 this year, the trial's subjects will be administered the attenuated strain of dengue fever, with symptoms monitored for 90 days to track viremia and other key indicators. Phase 2b, which will include 10 subjects (randomised 8:2), will explore... More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors http://ow.ly/s8p3105KTiF

👏 Congratulations to Amgen for the FDA approval of Bkemv (eculizumab-aeeb), a biosimilar to AstraZeneca’s Soliris (eculizumab) to treat two rare diseases: • Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis • Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy Bkemv is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the complement C5 protein and inhibits activation of the complement system, a part of the body’s immune system. This binding prevents the breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream (intravascular hemolysis) in patients with PNH and aHUS. Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/eDTTMabv #Biointron #Antibodies #Immunotherapy #PharmaNews #Monoclonal #FDA #Biosimilar #RareDisease #Healthcare Image credit: https://lnkd.in/eYiP77GK