USPTO awards NexBio patent covering sialidase pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating influenza

NexBio, Inc. today announced the issuance by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of United States Patent No. 7,645,448 entitled "Class of Therapeutic Protein Based Molecules".  This patent covers NexBio's sialidase pharmaceutical compositions, including its lead compound DAS181 (Fludase^®), and methods of treating or preventing viral infection by influenza and parainfluenza with such compositions.

DAS181 is a broad spectrum drug candidate in Phase II human clinical development, being studied for the treatment and prevention of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) caused by any strain of influenza and parainfluenza virus. Unlike neuraminidase inhibitors, e.g. Tamiflu^® (oseltamivir), as well as vaccines, all of which target the influenza virus, DAS181 is a host-targeted entry blocker that works by inactivating the human receptors to which these viruses would otherwise bind; thus, it may be less likely to cause drug resistance compared with currently-available antiviral drugs.

"This patent further validates the unique and pioneering nature of the host-targeting approach used by DAS181 for the potential therapy and prophylaxis of any and all strains of influenza and parainfluenza virus," said David Wurtman, MD, MBA, VP of Corporate Development of NexBio.  "Our data show that by acting on sialic acid, the human receptor for these viruses, DAS181 appears to decrease the probability of drug resistance developing, while also offering an approach that may work when resistance has developed to other antivirals such as Tamiflu^®, Relenza^® and peramivir," Dr. Wurtman added.

The '448 patent is NexBio's first issued U.S. patent.  NexBio has several other U.S. and international patent applications pending directed to DAS181, some of which have issued in foreign countries.  In addition, the company has numerous patent applications pending in the U.S. and foreign countries for TOSAP^®, its technology platform for formulating large molecules, small molecules, and combinations thereof into dry powder, for additional potential products, and for SAFRAN™, a formulation technology for parenteral delivery of siRNA.