IMM124E – May offer a New modality for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2
May 13 2021 - 6:00AM
Immuron Limited (ASX: IMC; NASDAQ: IMRN), an Australian
biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing
oral immunotherapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of
gut pathogens, today is pleased to provide shareholders and the
market with an update on the anti-viral activity of IMM124E used to
manufacture the company’s flag ship commercially available and
over-the-counter gastrointestinal and digestive health immune
supplements Travelan® and Protectyn®. Monash University Scientists
at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute have developed and optimized
two new immunologically based assays utilizing two recombinant
reagents, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and a receptor binding
domain protein obtained from Melbourne’s Peter Doherty Institute
for Infection and Immunity.
Preliminary findings (ASX announcement dated 21
July 2020) previously reported investigating IMM-124E demonstrated
neutralizing activity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19. Further
studies now undertaken, by Monash suggest that the SARS-CoV-2
inhibitory activity is novel and does not bind to the spike protein
or the receptor binding domain that the virus uses to dock to the
cells it infects.
SARS-CoV-2 and Bovine
Corona viruses (BCoV) are closely related phylogenetically.
Different studies have demonstrated the existence of cross-reactive
immunity through shared sites/epitopes between the bovine and human
viruses. Thus, it appears that the immunological homology in highly
conserved structures between the two viruses may be the cause of
the reported inhibition. Immune recognition of viral structural
proteins M and S2, by anti-BCoV antibodies present in IMM-124E
could cause the inactivation of the SARS-COV-2 virus.
This antiviral effect
differs from most Vaccines currently under development which
directly target the spike protein. The mode of action may offer a
complementary treatment regime using therapeutics targeting the
virus.
“Our initial results
suggest the inhibitory substance/s in the products are binding to
other antigens present on the SARS-CoV-2 virus which interfere with
the mechanism the virus uses to gain entry and infect human cells.
We do not yet know which compound/s in the products are responsible
for this interference. However, we are excited to try and identify
them,” said Professor Lyras.
Prof Lyras further
added, “it does not matter whether antagonists to the SARS-CoV-2
virus block the binding of the spike protein directly or indirectly
as long as they can prevent or reduce infection.”
The research team now
plans to try and isolate and identify the inhibitory molecule/s in
IMM124E.
The company is also pleased to announce the
appointment of Dr Dan Peres as Chief Medical Officer. Dr Peres will
be responsible for leading and managing the company’s clinical
development programs with a preliminary focus on COVID-19. Dr Peres
was previously engaged by Immuron to manage the company sponsored
NASH phase II clinical trial.
This release has been authorised by the
directors of Immuron Limited.
COMPANY
CONTACT:Dr Jerry
Kanellos, Ph.D.Chief Executive OfficerPh: +61 (0)3 9824
5254info@immuron.com |
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For more information visit:
http://www.immuron.com
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