Innovation PR Recently, the defensin-mimetic Br

Innovation PR

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Recently, the defensin-mimetic Brilacidin, a peptidomimetic synthetic small molecule, was shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in a human lung cell line expressing ACE2 by disrupting the virus and blocking entry into cells [22]. Brilacidin together with remdesivir also showed synergistic activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro [22].
Viruses 13 00912 g002 550
Figure 2. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection by antiviral peptide P9. In a normal infection, the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein binds to host cell receptor ACE-2, allowing fusion with the host cell membrane. Antiviral peptide P9 binds to the surface of the spike glycoprotein and blocks its access to ACE-2, thus preventing fusion. The secondary structure of P9 was predicted using the Phyre2 protein modeling program [51].
Several modes of action can be deployed by AMPs to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Some AMPs exert a direct virucidal effect by targeting the viral envelope, as seen for mucroporin-M1 and brilacidin [22,48]. Others bind to the viral spike glycoprotein, thus preventing its interaction with ACE2 on host cells [52,53]. Defensin-like peptide P9R and its parental peptide P9 prevent endosomal acidification, which is necessary for uncoating during the early stages of the viral life cycle [44,54]. In addition, a natural lectin-like human intestinal defensin 5 (HD5) can shield the ACE2, preventing SARS-CoV-2 binding [55]. Finally, the indirect immunomodulatory activity of AMPs may help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms [56].

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Recent Journal Article Discusses Antiviral Peptides Potential Against SARS-CoV-2

Dear IPIX Shareholders,

I am pleased to share with you a recent journal article in the publication Viruses and summarized in News Medical, discussing the potential of antimicrobial peptides—and their mimics, like Brilacidin—for treatment of COVID-19.

With our Phase 2 clinical trial of Brilacidin for COVID-19 now fully enrolled, the Company looks forward to unblinding study data and releasing topline results, as reported in our last press release.

Viruses
Tonk, M.; Růžek, D.; Vilcinskas, A. Compelling Evidence for the Activity of Antiviral Peptides against SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2021, 13, 912. https://doi.org/10.3390/v1305091
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/13/5/912/htm

News Medical
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210607/Th...oV-2.aspx)

Forward-Looking Statements: This shareholder alert contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including statements concerning future drug development plans, statements regarding the antiviral capabilities and therapeutic potential of Brilacidin and its impact on SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and other viruses, as well as obtaining government regulatory approvals to commence clinical testing. Other statements regarding future product developments, and markets, including with respect to specific indications, and any other statements which are other than statements of historical fact. These statements involve risks but not limited to risks related to conducting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials and seeking regulatory and licensing approvals for Brilacidin and Kevetrin in the US and other jurisdictions; that prior test results may not be replicated in future studies and trials, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. The Company has in some cases identified forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “estimates,” “looks,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “goal,” “potential,” “may,” “suggest,” and similar expressions. Among other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements are the Company’s need for, and the availability of, substantial capital in the future to fund its operations and research and development; including the amount and timing of the sale of shares of common stock under securities purchase agreements; the fact that the Company’s licensee(s) may not successfully complete pre-clinical or clinical testing and the Company will not receive milestone payments, or the fact that the Company’s compounds may not successfully complete pre-clinical or clinical testing, or be granted regulatory approval to be sold and marketed in the United States or elsewhere. A more complete description of these risk factors is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law or regulation.