NIH and Matinas BioPharma Announce Research Collaboration to Identify Novel HIV Therapy Utilizing LNC Platform Delivery Techn...
July 09 2018 - 9:15AM
- Development program to focus on combination of
antisense oligonucleotides with Matinas’ Proprietary LNC Delivery
Technology -
Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. (NYSE AMER:MTNB), a clinical-stage
biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative
medicines using its proprietary lipid nano-crystal (LNC) platform
delivery technology, and the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of
Health (NIH), today announced a research collaboration focused on
the development of a novel therapy for the treatment of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) combining targeted antisense
oligonucleotides (ASO) and Matinas’ LNC delivery technology.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with the NIH
on this important project,” commented Dr. Raphael J. Mannino, Chief
Scientific Officer of Matinas BioPharma. “The demonstrated
efficacy of our LNC platform technology, in animal models, to
effectively deliver siRNA to inhibit viral replication, as well as
the ability of LNC to cross the blood-brain barrier, provides a
strong foundation upon which to move forward with the NINDS on this
program. We hope this critical project further demonstrates
that our technology can be a ground-breaking solution to the
variety of well-known delivery challenges in the gene therapy
space.”
Following more than 30 years of research, HIV
remains a chronic infection with long-term damaging consequences
including immunological dysfunction and neurocognitive
impairment. Despite the presence of antiretroviral therapy
(ART), ongoing viral replication, persistent inflammation and
antiretroviral toxicity remain significant problems.
The goal of this collaboration is to leverage
the unique attributes of Matinas’ LNC technology to safely,
effectively and efficiently deliver ASO intracellularly to inhibit
Trans-Activator of Transcription (Tat)/viral mRNA translation. Tat
is a contributing factor in three major aspects of HIV infection
post treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART): viral
replication/latency, chronic inflammation and neurological
complications. Tat is a key regulatory protein not specifically
targeted by currently available ART. In vitro and in
vivo studies will be conducted to determine optimal structures for
incorporating ASOs into the LNC technology platform, delivery into
target cells and the effective inhibition of Tat and/or viral
replication while monitoring Tat-induced cytotoxicity.
“We need to gain a better understanding of the
effectiveness of this unique delivery technology in combination
with our targeted ASOs, and our belief is that these studies will
provide critical information for translation of this therapeutic
strategy into human clinical trials,” stated Avindra Nath, M.D.,
Chief, Section of Infections of the Nervous System, and Clinical
Director of NINDS.
This series of studies will be conducted at the
NIH in Bethesda, MD, under the direction of Principal Investigator
Dr. Nath and Co-Investigator, Lisa Henderson, Ph.D.
About Matinas BioPharma Matinas
BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on
developing innovative medicines using its lipid-crystal
nano-particle cochleate (LNC) platform delivery technology. The
Company's proprietary, disruptive technology utilizes lipid-crystal
nano-particle cochleates to nano-encapsulate small molecules,
oligonucleotides, vaccines and other medicines potentially making
them safer, more tolerable, less toxic and orally bioavailable. The
Company's lead anti-fungal product candidate, MAT2203, positions
Matinas BioPharma to become a leader in the safe and effective
delivery of anti-infective therapies utilizing its proprietary LNC
formulation technology.
For more information, please visit
www.matinasbiopharma.com and connect with the Company on Twitter,
LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+.
Forward Looking Statements:
This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including those relating to the Company's anticipated capital and
liquidity needs, strategic focus and the future development of its
product candidates, including MAT2203, the anticipated timing of
regulatory submissions, the anticipated timing of clinical studies,
the anticipated timing of regulatory interactions, the Company’s
ability to identify and pursue development and partnership
opportunities for its products or platform delivery technology on
favorable terms, if at all, and the ability to obtain required
regulatory approval and other statements that are predictive in
nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are
statements that could be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include words such as "expects,"
"anticipates," "intends," "plans," "could," "believes," "estimates"
and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual
results to be materially different from any future results
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain
additional capital to meet our liquidity needs on acceptable terms,
or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary
to complete the clinical trials of our product candidates; our
ability to successfully complete research and further development
and commercialization of our product candidates; the uncertainties
inherent in clinical testing; the timing, cost and uncertainty of
obtaining regulatory approvals; our ability to maintain and derive
benefit from the Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP),
Orphan and/or Fast Track designations for MAT2203, which does not
change the standards for regulatory approval or guarantee
regulatory approval on an expedited basis, or at all; our ability
to protect the Company's intellectual property; the loss of any
executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition;
changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of
regulations that affect the Company's products; and the other
factors listed under "Risk Factors" in our filings with the SEC,
including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be
required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to
release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements
to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Matinas BioPharma's
product candidates are all in a development stage and are not
available for sale or use.
Investor Contact |
Media
Contact |
Jenene Thomas |
Eliza Schleifstein |
Jenene Thomas Communications, LLC |
Scient Public
Relations |
Phone: +1 (833) 475-8247 |
Phone: + 1 (917)
763-8106 |
Email: mtnb@jtcir.com |
Email:
eliza@scientpr.com |
Source: Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc.
Matinas Biopharma (AMEX:MTNB)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Matinas Biopharma (AMEX:MTNB)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024