Dengue

BEVERLY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Akston Biosciences, dedicated to accelerating the next revolution in Animal Health, announced the publication in Frontiers in Immunology of a study on AKS-107, an innovative antigen-specific immunotherapy based on Akston's Ambifect® Fc-fusion protein platform. The study demonstrated AKS-107's potential to target and delete insulin-specific B cells, which are implicated in the development of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Fc-fusion proteins based on this platform can be designed to interact only with parts of the immune system related to the target disease while minimizing off-target effects. AKS-107 is a human IgG1 Fc-fusion protein engineered to retain conformational insulin epitopes that bind to B cell receptors while preventing binding to the insulin metabolic receptor. The study conducted in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and insulin-reactive B cell receptor transgenic mouse strains showed that AKS-107 can safely prevent spontaneous diabetes, demonstrating durable immune tolerance. Studies have shown that AKS-107 has a protracted pharmacokinetic pro was well-tolerated in both mice and non-human primates, making it a promising candidate for clinical development in T1D prevention settings. "Akston has confirmed the versatility of the Ambifect® platform across diverse treatment areas, including extended duration insulin therapies, infectious disease vaccines, and, with AKS-107, interrupting an autoimmune cascade," said Todd Zion, Ph.D., President & CEO of Akston Biosciences. “We are now exploring its application to therapeutic vaccination, where the immune system is recruited to target proteins involved in non-communicable diseases," he added. “Using a common platform allows Akston to reduce development time and manufacturing costs across its entire pipeline.” As part of its renewed focus on Animal Health, Akston recently spun out all applications for human T1D prevention and treatment, including AKS-107 for disease prevention and AKS-440, its once-a-week basal insulin therapy. Akston also spun out all human clinical vaccine applications with lead candidates targeting misfolded proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and infectious diseases including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Dengue fever. Regarding its Animal Health applications, Akston is partnered with Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC to commercialize canine and feline ultra-long insulins. The company is also advancing lead therapeutic vaccines against nerve growth factor for chronic pain and IL-31 for atopic dermatitis. About Akston Biosciences: Akston Biosciences Corporation is dedicated to accelerating the next revolution in Animal Health by inventing, developing, and manufacturing breakthrough protein therapeutics for veterinary use. Its vertically integrated capabilities, including a kilogram-scale cGMP manufacturing facility dedicated to Animal Health, can significantly reduce the time and cost from discovery to commercial introduction. Akston leverages its Ambifect® Fc-fusion protein platform to create innovative, extended-duration biologics and therapeutic vaccines. Its facilities are located in Beverly, Mass. Additional information is available at akstonbio.com.

12 month contract focused on the development of new antiviral drugs Novel candidates to be produced using Kimer Med's broad-spectrum antiviral platform 95% of viral diseases lack an approved antiviral treatment Download high resolution images here: NELSON, New Zealand, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimer Med, a New Zealand-based biotech start-up, today announced it has signed a contract valued at up to USD$750,000 (NZD$1.3 million) with Battelle, the world's largest independent, nonprofit research and development organisation. The 12 month contract is funded by the United States government through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and will fall into Battelle's Accelerated Therapeutics for Combating Acute Viral Epidemics programme. The contract is focused on the discovery and development of new antiviral drug candidates for the treatment of alphaviruses. Spread mostly by infected ticks and mosquitoes, alphaviruses cause significant human and animal disease. Infections that result in encephalitis - inflammation and swelling of the brain - are often fatal and can cause ongoing neurological problems. There is currently no effective antiviral treatment for alphavirus infection. "Approved antiviral drugs are currently available for only 11 out of more than 200 viruses that cause widespread sickness, suffering and death in humans," said Kimer Med's CEO, Rick Kiessig. "Our mission is to change that. We're developing a family of broad-spectrum antivirals capable of treating many of these infections." "This contract is an important milestone for Kimer Med, as it provides another opportunity to prove the capability of our platform for rapid, broad-spectrum antiviral development," said Kiessig. Since the company's launch in 2020, Kimer Med has developed antivirals that have shown in vitro efficacy against 11 different viruses, including the priority viruses Dengue (all four serotypes) and Zika. Their technology holds significant promise to deliver vital broad-spectrum antiviral treatments with a range of applications, including: Infectious diseases: Half the world's population is at risk from mosquito-borne viral infections for which there are no antiviral treatments available. Pandemic protection: Vaccines will not be ready and waiting when the next pandemic occurs, but broad-spectrum antivirals can be stockpiled for early protection. Military use: Broad-spectrum medical countermeasures to protect military personnel against a range of existing and emerging viral threats. Healthcare and First Responders: Vital protection for frontline health workers and other first responders in the event of viral outbreaks, especially when the pathogen is unknown. "With broad-spectrum antivirals, we have within our grasp the potential to revolutionise the treatment and prevention of viral infections in the way that penicillin did for bacterial infections. We're looking forward to working with such a highly-regarded and well-resourced organisation as Battelle to advance antiviral drug candidates that will be able to treat these alphaviruses, and hopefully a range of other viruses as well," said Kiessig. About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit . About Kimer Med Founded by Rick Kiessig and Phil Oliver in 2020, Kimer Med is a biotech start-up, based in Nelson, New Zealand. Backed by a multi-million dollar seed funding round, the company has designed a platform for the rapid development of novel, broad-spectrum antivirals. Kimer Med launched a Series A capital raise in September 2023 to progress development of their lead antiviral candidate through to Phase 1 clinical trials. For more information, visit . SOURCE Kimer Med

The clinical laboratory real-time PCR multiplex test was designed using Co-Dx Co-Primers™ and licensed by the CDSCO for use in diagnostic procedures SALT LAKE CITY, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CODX) (the "Company" or "Co-Dx"), a molecular diagnostics company with a unique, patented platform for the development of molecular diagnostic tests, announced today that CoSara Diagnostics Pvt Ltd ("CoSara," or the "JV"), its joint venture for manufacturing and sales in India, has received clearance by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization ("CDSCO") in India to manufacture and sell its SARAPLEX™ Influenza Multiplex (IFM) Test Kit to clinical laboratories as an in vitro diagnostic ("IVD") for the detection and differentiation of Influenza A and Influenza B. CoSara's new real-time multiplex PCR test is built on the Company's patented Co-Primers™ technology and designed to simultaneously detect influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, H7N9, H1N2, H5N1, H2N2, H9N2, H10N8, H5N6, H7N7, H7N4, H7N2 and H2N1), influenza B (Yamagata and Victoria strains) and to differentiate between H1N1 and H3N2. Co-Primers utilize a unique design architecture to combat common issues with real-time PCR that can lead to inaccurate results, specifically primer dimer propagation, and which are magnified in multiplex reactions. "The importance of accurate, reliable PCR testing at the high-throughput clinical laboratory level remains critical," remarked Dwight Egan, CEO of Co-Diagnostics. "We are pleased that our Co-Primers technology will help to combat respiratory illnesses in India as the world continues to adjust in the wake of the pandemic, and while we work with CoSara in preparation for playing an important role in the next stage of our Company's growth with the upcoming launch of our Co-Dx™ PCR Pro™ instrument*." CoSara Director Mohal Sarabhai commented, "This test marks the 15th of CoSara's clinical lab tests to receive IVD clearance by the CDSCO, and adds to our expanding menu of valuable diagnostic tools available to our growing distributor and laboratory customer base. It strengthens our foundation for future growth as CoSara also assists in the progress of point-of-care testing across India, and prepares to provide manufacturing, distribution, and regulatory support for the forthcoming Co-Dx PCR platform." CoSara has previously received CDSCO clearance for RT-PCR tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis B, hepatitis B viral load, hepatitis C, hepatitis C viral load, HPV types 16 and 18 and HPV-HR, two COVID-19 assays, chikungunya, dengue, a dengue/chikungunya duplex test, and a Flu A/Flu B/COVID-19 ("ABC") multiplex test, all designed using the Company's patented Co-Primers technology and cleared to be manufactured and sold to clinical laboratories in the Indian market as IVDs. *The Co-Dx PCR platform (including the PCR Home™, PCR Pro™, mobile app, and all associated tests) is subject to review by the FDA and/or other regulatory bodies and is not yet available for sale. The Co-Dx PCR Pro instrument and Co-Dx COVID-19 Test are currently under review by the FDA. About Co-Diagnostics, Inc.: Co-Diagnostics, Inc., a Utah corporation, is a molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art diagnostics technologies. The Company's technologies are utilized for tests that are designed using the detection and/or analysis of nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA). The Company also uses its proprietary technology to design specific tests for its Co-Dx PCR at-home and point-of-care platform and to locate genetic markers for use in applications other than infectious disease. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "may," "plans," "will" and similar expressions, or the negative of these words. Such forward-looking statements are based on facts and conditions as they exist at the time such statements are made and predictions as to future facts and conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that any of the anticipated results will occur on a timely basis or at all due to certain risks and uncertainties, a discussion of which can be found in our Risk Factors disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 16, 2023, and in our other filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement relating to matters discussed in this press release, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Co-Diagnostics