OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion Biotechnology Canada Ltd., a developer of novel medical treatments, today announced preclinical data evaluating the safety of OB-002H (5P12-RANTES) which is being developed as a topical microbicide for HIV prevention. We have previously shown that 5P12- RANTES was able to completely prevent SHIV infection in a rhesus macaque model (Veazey R et al. Journal of Infectious Diseases 2009) and we are now finalizing preclinical evaluation of OB-002H to support future Phase 1 studies. Fourteen day repeat vaginal and rectal dosing good laboratory practice (GLP) studies were conducted in rodents and rabbits by Calvert Laboratories. Animals received daily vaginal or rectal administration of OB-002H gel, matched placebo, or a sham challenge for fourteen days. The animals were evaluated for safety throughout the study and upon completion histopathological examination of vaginal and rectal tissue was undertaken to determine whether repeated topical administration of OB-002H gel was associated with mucosal irritation or inflammation. A composite irritation score was used where a score of 0/16 was normal and 12-16 reflected severe mucosal irritation/inflammation (ISO 10993-10; 2010). There were no significant safety findings in the study and the mucosal irritation scores across the four studies were 0/16 for each study.
“Despite increasing access to oral PrEP there remains an unmet need for safe and effective topical products that can be used in a pericoital fashion. Based on our previous macaque studies, OB-002H is an extremely potent microbicide and with these GLP studies we now know that it has an excellent mucosal safety profile. With these new data, we plan to submit a regulatory filing in Q1 2019 to support initiation of a Phase 1 study in Q3 2019,” said Dr. Ian McGowan, Chief Scientific Officer for Orion Biotechnology.
Mark Groper, President and CEO of Orion Biotechnology added, “We are delighted by these excellent preclinical mucosal safety data and look forward to moving our OB-002H gel into the clinic as quickly as possible.”
About Orion Biotechnology Canada, Ltd.
Orion Biotechnology Canada Ltd, is a privately held pharmaceutical company founded on the vision of radically improving the health of the global population through successful treatment and prevention of the most serious chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases. Since 2011, Orion has been developing a robust pipeline of potential products based on novel formulations discovered in different parts of the world. Our close ties to diverse institutions and experts around the globe continue to stimulate the rapid discovery of promising new treatments. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Orion brings together innovative technologies from some of the world’s leading research institutions, such as the Mintaka Research Foundation and the Center for Public Health Research at Nanjing University. Learn more at www.orionbiotechnology.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information, which reflects Orion’s current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Orion’s control, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, Orion assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact: Ross MacLeod
Orion Biotechnology
Canada Ltd
Phone: +1.343.291.1032
info@orionbiotechnology.com
