Broad-Spectrum Antiviral to Revolutionize Treatment of RSV, COVID, Flu, and More

May 29, 2024 - NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC), a frontrunner in antiviral nanomedicines, has announced the development of a pioneering broad-spectrum antiviral agent, NV-387, which could revolutionize the treatment of RSV, COVID-19, Influenza, and other viral infections.

Host-Mimetic Technology: A Revolutionary Solution

Viruses, despite their constant mutations, rely on specific "landing sites" to infect host cells. NanoViricides’ host-mimetic technology leverages these unchanging host-side landing sites to act as decoys, making it effective against viruses even as they evolve. NV-387 is designed to mimic these landing sites, tricking the virus into binding with the drug instead of actual cells, thereby neutralizing the threat.

Unlike vaccines and traditional antiviral drugs, which lose efficacy as viruses mutate, the host-mimetic technology remains effective. Most human pathogenic viruses use common landing sites known as Sulfated Proteoglycans (SPG). NV-387, which mimics SPG, potentially targets a vast array of viruses by acting as a cell-mimicking decoy.

Impressive Spectrum and Efficacy of NV-387

NV-387 has demonstrated remarkable antiviral activity in animal studies, outperforming or matching existing antiviral drugs. In a model for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), NV-387 surpassed remdesivir. It is considered a strong candidate for treating COVID-19, Long COVID, as well as other coronaviruses such as MERS and SARS.

Additionally, NV-387 has shown superior results compared to Tamiflu®, Rapivab®, and Xofluza® in Influenza H3N2 models and is expected to be effective against H5N1 "Bird Flu" due to its broad-spectrum activity.

Moreover, NV-387 has proven effective in treating Smallpox/Mpox and has completely cured lethal RSV lung infections in animal studies, where no approved treatment other than the toxic ribavirin exists.

Potential Against Novel Viruses

NV-387 could be instrumental in fighting novel viruses, whether naturally occurring or bio-engineered, as long as they utilize SPG to infect human cells. This positions NV-387 as a critical tool for future viral epidemics and pandemics.

Safety Profile and Clinical Trials

NV-387’s formulation has shown a high safety profile, with no observed adverse events (NOAEL: 1,200mg/Kg; MTD: 1,500mg/Kg) in preclinical studies. It is non-mutagenic, non-genotoxic, and non-immunogenic.

Phase I clinical trials of NV-387, administered as an oral syrup and gummies, reported no adverse events, even at high doses. The company is now preparing for Phase II trials to evaluate its efficacy against RSV infections.

Future Prospects

Anil R. Diwan, Ph.D., President and Executive Chairman of NanoViricides, highlighted the potential impact of NV-387, comparing its possible significance in antiviral treatments to penicillin’s role in antibacterial therapy. The company aims to secure regulatory approvals globally for NV-387.

About NanoViricides

NanoViricides, Inc. develops specialized nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. Their lead candidate, NV-387, aims to treat a range of viral infections including RSV, COVID-19, Influenza, and Bird Flu. NV-387 has completed Phase 1a/1b human trials with promising safety results.

Another advanced candidate, NV-HHV-1, targets Shingles rash and HSV-related conditions. The company is also working on treatments for various viral diseases such as Herpes, H1N1, Ebola, and more, using its TheraCour® nanomedicine technology.

Conclusion

NanoViricides' innovative host-mimetic technology, embodied in NV-387, represents a significant advancement in antiviral treatment, potentially offering a universal solution to a broad spectrum of viral infections. The successful completion of Phase I trials marks a significant milestone as the company moves towards Phase II and seeks global regulatory approvals.

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