Description:
Abstract
USC researchers have developed a novel prodrug platform that address all three issues with ANP antivirals. Using this technology, they have synthesized prodrugs of cidofovir and related ANP antivirals that are much more potent that the parent drugs in vitro, show 10x higher oral bioavailability, and have promise of better safety profiles. Several of these compounds have been shown to be orally and locally effective in preventing or treating DNA virus infections in animal models.
Benefit
Market Application
Acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) are broad spectrum antiviral agents that are active against many viruses, including herpes viruses that cause cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, Epstein-Barr syndrome and shingles, adenovirus, and orthopox viruses, including cowpox, vaccinia, and variola (smallpox) virus. One such ANP is cidofovir, developed and sold in the U.S. by Gilead. While cidofovir has been shown to be effective, its low oral bioavailability means that it must be delivered intravenously. It also has poor ability to penetrate virus-infected cells and has been associated with renal toxicity. This limits the therapeutic scope of cidofovir and similar ANPs. Therefore, there is a need to increase the oral bioavailability, potency and safety of ANP broad spectrum antiviral agents.
Publications
USC-087 protects Syrian hamsters against lethal challenge with human species C adenoviruses, Antiviral Research, March 2, 2018.
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