ContraVir Pharmaceuticals Announces National Institutes of Health Funded Study on Antiviral Activity of CRV431
October 24 2017 - 6:00AM
ContraVir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTRV), a biopharmaceutical
company focused on the development and commercialization of
targeted antiviral therapies, announced today that it will utilize
preclinical services from the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of
Health (NIH), to characterize the antiviral activity of CRV431 in a
humanized mouse model of hepatitis B virus infection.
NIAID-funded contractor KMT Hepatech Inc. provides in vivo
research services utilizing the proprietary platform technology of
the KMT™ Mouse, also known as the chimeric mouse. KMT™ mice have
livers that consist mostly of human liver cells and are now the
model of choice for a variety of human liver diseases, including
hepatitis. The planned study will examine CRV431 in KMT’s
state-of-the-art animal model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment
efficacy.
“We are pleased to work with KMT through the preclinical
services program supported by the NIH,” said Dr. Robert Foster,
Chief Scientific Officer of ContraVir. “We are particularly excited
about using the KMT humanized mouse model, with its unique advanced
methodology, for testing CRV431 anti-HBV activity. Given the
historical absence of animal models of HBV infection that are both
practical and that reflect the natural route of infection of human
liver cells, the chimeric mouse has been a major advance. This
study will further characterize CRV431 in vivo to determine its
pharmacokinetics and measure HBV DNA and other viral markers of
antiviral activity.”
About CRV431
CRV431 is a non-immunosuppressive analog of cyclosporine A (CsA)
whose primary biochemical action is inhibition of cyclophilin
isomerase activity, playing a key role in protein folding. Other
viruses, such as HIV-1 and HCV, similarly use cyclophilin for their
replication. CRV431 shows potential in experimental models to
complement current hepatitis B treatments by reducing multiple
markers of infection including HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBx, HBeAg, and HBV
uptake by cells. Studies have also demonstrated that CRV431
possesses anti-fibrotic activity which may further curb progression
of liver disease in patients.
About ContraVir Pharmaceuticals ContraVir is a
biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and
commercialization of targeted antiviral therapies with a specific
focus on developing a potentially curative therapy for hepatitis B
virus (HBV). The Company is developing two novel anti-HBV compounds
with complementary mechanisms of action. TXL™ currently in Phase 2,
is designed to deliver high intrahepatic concentrations of TFV,
while minimizing off-target side-effects caused by high levels of
circulating TFV. CRV431, the other anti-HBV compound, is a
next-generation cyclophilin inhibitor with a unique structure that
increases its potency and selective index against HBV. ContraVir is
also developing Valnivudine™, an orally available nucleoside
analogue prodrug; Valnivudine™ is currently in Phase 3 for the
treatment of herpes zoster. In addition to direct antiviral
activity, Phase 2 data suggest that Valnivudine™ has the potential
to reduce the incidence of debilitating shingles-associated pain
known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). For more information
visit www.contravir.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of
forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast,"
"estimated" and "intend," among others. These forward-looking
statements are based on ContraVir's current expectations and actual
results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that
could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated
by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are
not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as
a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties
of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties with respect to
lengthy and expensive clinical trials, that results of earlier
studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results;
uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement;
limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third
parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or
approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any drug
candidates under development, there are significant risks in the
development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of new
products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials
discussed in this press release will be completed or successful, or
that any product will receive regulatory approval for any
indication or prove to be commercially successful. ContraVir does
not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in
ContraVir's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017 and other
periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
For further information, please contact:
Sharen Pyatetskaya Director of Investor Relations
sp@contravir.com; (732) 902-4028
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