GAITHERSBURG, Md., Feb. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced the initiation of a Phase 1b multiple ascending dose study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of UV-4B, the company’s novel antiviral candidate being developed as a potential oral treatment for dengue viral infection. This study, which will enroll 40 healthy adults in U.S. sites, follows a successful Phase 1a single ascending dose clinical study completed in 2016. Preclinical studies have shown that UV-4B is active in vitro against all four dengue virus subtypes and in vivo studies have shown improved survival even when dosing was delayed by up to 48 hours post-infection.
Adam Havey, executive vice president and president, biodefense division of Emergent BioSolutions, stated, “Emergent is pleased to announce the initiation of our Phase 1b clinical study. With Emergent’s sharpened focus on preventing and treating public health threats and emerging infectious diseases, we will leverage our growing anti-infectives platform technologies and expertise in development and manufacturing to help find solutions to these threats.”
UV-4B is the lead dengue virus therapeutic candidate in Emergent’s iminosugar library. Iminosugars are small molecule therapeutics that target host glycosidase enzymes leading to reduced virus infectivity in multiple viruses such as dengue, Zika, SARS, and influenza. This novel host-based mechanism of action allows the potential for broad-spectrum application and a reduced probability of developing drug resistance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dengue is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. There are 100 endemic countries with 400 million new infections annually. Currently, there are no available treatments for dengue.
This study is fully funded under development contract HHSN272201100030C with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
About Emergent BioSolutions
Emergent BioSolutions is a global specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to one simple mission—to protect and enhance life. We develop, manufacture, and deliver a portfolio of medical countermeasures for biological and chemical threats as well as emerging infectious diseases. Through our work, we envision protecting and enhancing 50 million lives with our products by 2025. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com. Follow us @emergentbiosolu.
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CONTACT: Investor Contact: Robert G. Burrows Vice President, Investor Relations 240-631-3280 BurrowsR@ebsi.com Media Contact: Tracey Schmitt Lintott Senior Vice President, Global Public Affairs 240-631-3281 SchmittT@ebsi.com
