I would encourage anyone who has the time to go back and reread the 11 IPIX PRs pertaining to COVID-19(CV19). These 11 PRs over the past 2 months if read chronologically build upon each other and show an increasing level of optimism and confidence that Brilacidin will play a role in CV19 treatment and perhaps as part of a CV19 vaccine. Note the chronological progression with some key IPIX points and my initial thoughts AT THAT TIME. My confidence percentages do not matter. They are included only to show how quickly CV19 treatment and vaccine investigation is advancing. I am hopeful that the next 2 PRs to add to this list will be first that Brilacidin was successful with human lung tissue testing and the second announcing some form of partnership or grant to rapidly get Brilacidin to market.
2/18/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/2...-treatment
“Brilacidin already has demonstrated broad and robust antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in multiple FDA clinical trials. Pre-clinical research also supports Brilacidin’s antiviral properties based on work by conducted by Dr. William DeGrado (UCSF) and Dr. Richard Scott (Fox Chase).
Brilacidin and other defensin mimetics similar in structure to Brilacidin have been tested against enveloped viruses with moderate activity noted from the outset. To date, Brilacidin has not been tested specifically against Coronavirus (an enveloped positive stranded RNA virus). But the scientists who conducted preliminary research are optimistic about the multi-tiered advantages of Brilacidin to elicit a response when accompanied by drug optimization, formulation and delivery work.”
Exploring Brilacidin as a coronavirus treatment? I have always thought of Brilacidin as a new class of antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties but never thought of it as an antiviral. I am very confident in my investment in IPIX for B-IBD Oral, B-OM and eventually Kevetrin but this could be an interesting and worthwhile effort that could lead to free research. My personal odds of Brilacidin playing a role in CV19 treatment as of 2/18/20 is maybe a 5% chance.
2/24/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/2...s-covid-19
“submitted a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with a leading U.S.-based virology laboratory to research its lead defensin mimetic drug candidate, Brilacidin, as a potential novel coronavirus treatment.”
“On a related note, the Company has submitted a preliminary summary of Brilacidin’s potential as a novel coronavirus treatment to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA),”
“Discussions also are underway with a government-funded virology laboratory in Asia”
“Should laboratory tests support Brilacidin’s antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and potentially other RNA viruses, the Company will look to expedite research and clinical development of Brilacidin as a potential antiviral therapy via pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants.”
Wow this initiative is a real deal. More visibility is a good thing. There is still a lot of testing to be done so my personal WAG of Brilacidin as a CV19 treatment is 10% as of 2/24/20.
2/27/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/2...s-covid-19
“Under terms of the agreement, scientific research partners at the RBL plan to evaluate Brilacidin’s potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of viral infections, including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Mechanism of action studies of Brilacidin, along with assessing possible synergistic effects with other antivirals, are also planned. It is anticipated these tests might be completed within several weeks of the RBL’s receipt of Brilacidin.”
“Brilacidin is one of the few drugs targeting COVID-19 that has been tested in clinical trials for other clinical indications."
I can see how the anti-inflammatory properties alone could be extremely beneficial in a combo treatment but if Brilacidin also shows anti-viral that would be incredible. I have to raise my chances of success to 20%. This is no longer a long shot.
3/2/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...-treatment
“Defensins exhibit a number of distinct and highly favorable therapeutic characteristics: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-biofilm, anti-cancer, and antiviral.”
“Brilacidin, a mimetic of defensins, was computationally designed to be smaller (1/10th the size), more stable, more potent (by a 100-fold) and more selective (by a 1000-fold) than natural defensins, a type of antimicrobial peptide, so as to overcome most shortcomings (e.g., degradation, toxicity, malabsorption, high-cost of manufacturing) that have complicated their clinical development.”
The IPIX web site was updated at this point and Leo is not shying away from Brilacidin being a legitimate CV19 treatment option. I am personally staying conservative in my hopes/estimate of maybe 25%. Nothing but upside with all of this free research.
3/6/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...-treatment
“a second MTA has been signed to ship Brilacidin to a major U.S. university for analysis. One of world’s leading coronavirus experts is overseeing the research.”
“The Company is pursuing pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants to further evaluate and potentially advance Brilacidin’s clinical development as a novel COVID-19 treatment.”
Wow first a Regional Biocontainment Lab (RBL) and now a 2nd MTA with a major university. Discussions with BARDA and a government-funded virology laboratory in Asia all taking place. IPIX pursuing BP and Government grant/partnerships. I will error on the conservative side at 30% success.
3/9/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...s-covid-19
“Brilacidin is immediately being placed into queue and the Company anticipates confirmation of the testing schedule as well as procedures for the studies later this week.”
“Brilacidin is one of the few drugs targeting COVID-19 that has been tested in human trials for other clinical indications, providing an established safety and efficacy profile, thereby potentially enabling it to rapidly help address the emerging worldwide coronavirus crisis, developed both as an intravenous medicine and as a vaccine.”
“The Company is pursuing pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants to further evaluate and potentially advance Brilacidin’s clinical development as a novel COVID-19 treatment.”
Brilacidin received and in the queue! We should get news soon. More discussions of partnerships. That last paragraph is an eye opener as Brilacidin could be a treatment and/or a vaccine. Staying conservative at a 35% chance but definitely gaining momentum.
3/10/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...-next-week
“The ability to penetrate cell walls engenders confidence in this opportunity to meet an urgent medical need in treating coronaviruses like COVID-19. COVID-19 is an “enveloped” virus, meaning it has a glycoprotein envelope surrounding its nucleocapsid. More succinctly, it has a lipid envelope derived from the host cell membranes studded with crown-like projections from which it is named.”
“research is being funded by third parties independent of Innovation Pharmaceuticals.”
“Penetrating the COVID-19 envelope could prove beneficial in designing a new drug or vaccine against the virus, although this would have to be confirmed through extensive laboratory and clinical research.”
WOW. Penetrating the viral wall would be the Holy Grail in defeating CV19 plus what we already knew with anti-inflammatory properties controlling our immune system from causing a cytokine storm which appears to be the cause of most CV19 deaths. I wonder who is funding the above studies. Ok 40% is still conservative but this is not business as usual. Everything is happening in breakneck speed.
3/12/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...s-covid-19
“Should Brilacidin show promise (a minimum of 1.5-2 log inhibition in the low micromolar range), testing will be expanded to include additional mechanism of action studies to determine Brilacidin’s specific inhibitory activity across the lifecycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus—viral entry, viral RNA and viral release. Host kinase landscape may also be explored to determine if Brilacidin has any effect on the kinase function of specific target kinases by multiplexed proteomics strategies. Last, synergistic studies of Brilacidin, with other antivirals, might also be pursued.”
Testing milestones are defined. We will soon find out. Staying conservative at 40% but we have been gifted some very valuable research and scientific exposure.
3/17/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...stitutions
“announced today further details on the Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) signed with a leading public health-focused U.S. university and top coronavirus expert. Under the terms of the confidential agreement, virologists plan to evaluate the potential antiviral properties of Brilacidin, the Company’s lead defensin-mimetic drug candidate, toward developing Brilacidin as a potential novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.”
Brilacidin being tested as a potential vaccine at different institutions. There are obviously lots of scientific and Pharma eyes on Brilacidin. I am holding off on my enthusiasm until we see that Brilacidin works specifically against CV19. Staying conservative at 40% but this could be a huge opportunity to save lives and greatly accelerate bringing Brilacidin to market.
4/1/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/4...r-covid-19
“data supporting Brilacidin’s direct inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. The testing of Brilacidin was conducted by researchers at one of the U.S. Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs). Few compounds have shown activity against SARS-CoV-2, as summarized in the article linked below.”
“ Brilacidin’s direct antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus supports the drug’s unique 3-in-1 therapeutic potential—antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial—to treat COVID-19 and its associated complications. Additional data, based on successfully completed Phase 2 clinical studies in other clinical indications, using various modes of administration, show Brilacidin’s ability to inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, identified as central drivers in the worsening prognoses of COVID-19 patients. Brilacidin’s robust antimicrobial properties might also help fight secondary bacterial infections, which can co-present in patients with COVID-19.”
Holy shit it works against the CV19 virus! OK this was tested on monkey kidney cells but the financial markets are not keeping up with the huge upside of Brilacidin. I need to hear that Brilacidin works on human CV19 cells before I start high fiving everyone. 45% confidence for now.
4/6/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/4...t-covid-19
“the Company is engaged in discussions with health care provider networks and hospitals both in the United States and Europe regarding options to rapidly advance Brilacidin testing into human trials to evaluate its potential as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) therapeutic.”
“Concurrently, laboratory testing of Brilacidin against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, will continue. This is based on recommendations made by the lead researcher at one of the U.S. Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) who performed preliminary testing of Brilacidin. Results were characterized as “extremely encouraging.” Immediate next steps include conducting studies in human lung cells, exploring dosing and evaluating the drug’s effect on the viral envelope.”
“the Company is investigating procurement of appropriate drug supply (i.e., manufacture of intravenous drug product), and preparing for engagement with regulatory authorities.”
U.S. and Europe discussions for human trials concurrent with RBL human lung cell testing and dosing. I like the sound of “extremely encouraging” in advanced testing. Small biotech companies do not spend money on inventory unless there is a high percentage chance of moving forward. A positive result in the labs on human CV19 cells would IMO greatly escalate any trial and partnership/grant discussions. IMO we have at least a 50% immediate chance of success of Brilacidin being a CV19 treatment and/or vaccine with fingers crossed on human cell testing which would all but assure a partnership, grant or other collaborative relationship. In a worst case scenario I believe Brilacidin has gotten so much scientific and industry exposure that it will be eventually approved for complex infection use for both viral and bacterial infections. We are in the midst of a pandemic like nothing any of us have seen in our lifetime. I pray that successful treatments and vaccines will quickly be developed. If Brilacidin can play a role in that effort, we can all be proud to be part owners of a company whose drugs save many lives.
2/18/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/2...-treatment
“Brilacidin already has demonstrated broad and robust antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in multiple FDA clinical trials. Pre-clinical research also supports Brilacidin’s antiviral properties based on work by conducted by Dr. William DeGrado (UCSF) and Dr. Richard Scott (Fox Chase).
Brilacidin and other defensin mimetics similar in structure to Brilacidin have been tested against enveloped viruses with moderate activity noted from the outset. To date, Brilacidin has not been tested specifically against Coronavirus (an enveloped positive stranded RNA virus). But the scientists who conducted preliminary research are optimistic about the multi-tiered advantages of Brilacidin to elicit a response when accompanied by drug optimization, formulation and delivery work.”
Exploring Brilacidin as a coronavirus treatment? I have always thought of Brilacidin as a new class of antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties but never thought of it as an antiviral. I am very confident in my investment in IPIX for B-IBD Oral, B-OM and eventually Kevetrin but this could be an interesting and worthwhile effort that could lead to free research. My personal odds of Brilacidin playing a role in CV19 treatment as of 2/18/20 is maybe a 5% chance.
2/24/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/2...s-covid-19
“submitted a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with a leading U.S.-based virology laboratory to research its lead defensin mimetic drug candidate, Brilacidin, as a potential novel coronavirus treatment.”
“On a related note, the Company has submitted a preliminary summary of Brilacidin’s potential as a novel coronavirus treatment to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA),”
“Discussions also are underway with a government-funded virology laboratory in Asia”
“Should laboratory tests support Brilacidin’s antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and potentially other RNA viruses, the Company will look to expedite research and clinical development of Brilacidin as a potential antiviral therapy via pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants.”
Wow this initiative is a real deal. More visibility is a good thing. There is still a lot of testing to be done so my personal WAG of Brilacidin as a CV19 treatment is 10% as of 2/24/20.
2/27/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/2...s-covid-19
“Under terms of the agreement, scientific research partners at the RBL plan to evaluate Brilacidin’s potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of viral infections, including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Mechanism of action studies of Brilacidin, along with assessing possible synergistic effects with other antivirals, are also planned. It is anticipated these tests might be completed within several weeks of the RBL’s receipt of Brilacidin.”
“Brilacidin is one of the few drugs targeting COVID-19 that has been tested in clinical trials for other clinical indications."
I can see how the anti-inflammatory properties alone could be extremely beneficial in a combo treatment but if Brilacidin also shows anti-viral that would be incredible. I have to raise my chances of success to 20%. This is no longer a long shot.
3/2/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...-treatment
“Defensins exhibit a number of distinct and highly favorable therapeutic characteristics: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-biofilm, anti-cancer, and antiviral.”
“Brilacidin, a mimetic of defensins, was computationally designed to be smaller (1/10th the size), more stable, more potent (by a 100-fold) and more selective (by a 1000-fold) than natural defensins, a type of antimicrobial peptide, so as to overcome most shortcomings (e.g., degradation, toxicity, malabsorption, high-cost of manufacturing) that have complicated their clinical development.”
The IPIX web site was updated at this point and Leo is not shying away from Brilacidin being a legitimate CV19 treatment option. I am personally staying conservative in my hopes/estimate of maybe 25%. Nothing but upside with all of this free research.
3/6/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...-treatment
“a second MTA has been signed to ship Brilacidin to a major U.S. university for analysis. One of world’s leading coronavirus experts is overseeing the research.”
“The Company is pursuing pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants to further evaluate and potentially advance Brilacidin’s clinical development as a novel COVID-19 treatment.”
Wow first a Regional Biocontainment Lab (RBL) and now a 2nd MTA with a major university. Discussions with BARDA and a government-funded virology laboratory in Asia all taking place. IPIX pursuing BP and Government grant/partnerships. I will error on the conservative side at 30% success.
3/9/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...s-covid-19
“Brilacidin is immediately being placed into queue and the Company anticipates confirmation of the testing schedule as well as procedures for the studies later this week.”
“Brilacidin is one of the few drugs targeting COVID-19 that has been tested in human trials for other clinical indications, providing an established safety and efficacy profile, thereby potentially enabling it to rapidly help address the emerging worldwide coronavirus crisis, developed both as an intravenous medicine and as a vaccine.”
“The Company is pursuing pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants to further evaluate and potentially advance Brilacidin’s clinical development as a novel COVID-19 treatment.”
Brilacidin received and in the queue! We should get news soon. More discussions of partnerships. That last paragraph is an eye opener as Brilacidin could be a treatment and/or a vaccine. Staying conservative at a 35% chance but definitely gaining momentum.
3/10/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...-next-week
“The ability to penetrate cell walls engenders confidence in this opportunity to meet an urgent medical need in treating coronaviruses like COVID-19. COVID-19 is an “enveloped” virus, meaning it has a glycoprotein envelope surrounding its nucleocapsid. More succinctly, it has a lipid envelope derived from the host cell membranes studded with crown-like projections from which it is named.”
“research is being funded by third parties independent of Innovation Pharmaceuticals.”
“Penetrating the COVID-19 envelope could prove beneficial in designing a new drug or vaccine against the virus, although this would have to be confirmed through extensive laboratory and clinical research.”
WOW. Penetrating the viral wall would be the Holy Grail in defeating CV19 plus what we already knew with anti-inflammatory properties controlling our immune system from causing a cytokine storm which appears to be the cause of most CV19 deaths. I wonder who is funding the above studies. Ok 40% is still conservative but this is not business as usual. Everything is happening in breakneck speed.
3/12/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...s-covid-19
“Should Brilacidin show promise (a minimum of 1.5-2 log inhibition in the low micromolar range), testing will be expanded to include additional mechanism of action studies to determine Brilacidin’s specific inhibitory activity across the lifecycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus—viral entry, viral RNA and viral release. Host kinase landscape may also be explored to determine if Brilacidin has any effect on the kinase function of specific target kinases by multiplexed proteomics strategies. Last, synergistic studies of Brilacidin, with other antivirals, might also be pursued.”
Testing milestones are defined. We will soon find out. Staying conservative at 40% but we have been gifted some very valuable research and scientific exposure.
3/17/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/3...stitutions
“announced today further details on the Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) signed with a leading public health-focused U.S. university and top coronavirus expert. Under the terms of the confidential agreement, virologists plan to evaluate the potential antiviral properties of Brilacidin, the Company’s lead defensin-mimetic drug candidate, toward developing Brilacidin as a potential novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.”
Brilacidin being tested as a potential vaccine at different institutions. There are obviously lots of scientific and Pharma eyes on Brilacidin. I am holding off on my enthusiasm until we see that Brilacidin works specifically against CV19. Staying conservative at 40% but this could be a huge opportunity to save lives and greatly accelerate bringing Brilacidin to market.
4/1/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/4...r-covid-19
“data supporting Brilacidin’s direct inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. The testing of Brilacidin was conducted by researchers at one of the U.S. Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs). Few compounds have shown activity against SARS-CoV-2, as summarized in the article linked below.”
“ Brilacidin’s direct antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus supports the drug’s unique 3-in-1 therapeutic potential—antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial—to treat COVID-19 and its associated complications. Additional data, based on successfully completed Phase 2 clinical studies in other clinical indications, using various modes of administration, show Brilacidin’s ability to inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, identified as central drivers in the worsening prognoses of COVID-19 patients. Brilacidin’s robust antimicrobial properties might also help fight secondary bacterial infections, which can co-present in patients with COVID-19.”
Holy shit it works against the CV19 virus! OK this was tested on monkey kidney cells but the financial markets are not keeping up with the huge upside of Brilacidin. I need to hear that Brilacidin works on human CV19 cells before I start high fiving everyone. 45% confidence for now.
4/6/20
http://www.ipharminc.com/press-release/2020/4...t-covid-19
“the Company is engaged in discussions with health care provider networks and hospitals both in the United States and Europe regarding options to rapidly advance Brilacidin testing into human trials to evaluate its potential as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) therapeutic.”
“Concurrently, laboratory testing of Brilacidin against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, will continue. This is based on recommendations made by the lead researcher at one of the U.S. Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) who performed preliminary testing of Brilacidin. Results were characterized as “extremely encouraging.” Immediate next steps include conducting studies in human lung cells, exploring dosing and evaluating the drug’s effect on the viral envelope.”
“the Company is investigating procurement of appropriate drug supply (i.e., manufacture of intravenous drug product), and preparing for engagement with regulatory authorities.”
U.S. and Europe discussions for human trials concurrent with RBL human lung cell testing and dosing. I like the sound of “extremely encouraging” in advanced testing. Small biotech companies do not spend money on inventory unless there is a high percentage chance of moving forward. A positive result in the labs on human CV19 cells would IMO greatly escalate any trial and partnership/grant discussions. IMO we have at least a 50% immediate chance of success of Brilacidin being a CV19 treatment and/or vaccine with fingers crossed on human cell testing which would all but assure a partnership, grant or other collaborative relationship. In a worst case scenario I believe Brilacidin has gotten so much scientific and industry exposure that it will be eventually approved for complex infection use for both viral and bacterial infections. We are in the midst of a pandemic like nothing any of us have seen in our lifetime. I pray that successful treatments and vaccines will quickly be developed. If Brilacidin can play a role in that effort, we can all be proud to be part owners of a company whose drugs save many lives.
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