By Aphios Corp.
APP-401, APP-069, and other anti-HIV leads isolated from screening over 10,000 marine microorganism fractions in cytoprotection and cytotoxicity assays Aphios Corporation has established a library of over 1,500 diverse marine microorganisms and 20,000+ unique fractions of semi-purified marine molecules utilizing polarity-guided CXF fractionation technology. Our scientists and engineers are screening this unique library of diverse marine microorganisms – isolated from normal to extremophilic environments in United States territorial waters – and medicinal plants to discover novel anti-HIV drugs. Research is being done under Biohazard Safety Level-3 (BSL-3) conditions. We screened 10,366 extracts from 578 marine microorganisms and identified 305 anti-HIV “hits” in preliminary cytotoxicity and cytoprotection anti-HIV assays. Subsequently, we selected 5 anti-HIV leads from secondary screens. These leads were determined to be highly or moderately active compared to the positive control 3TC (Lamivudine), with a measured EC50 of 0.165 µM. A closely related SuperFluids™ CXP platform can be utilized to manufacture drugs for preclinical development and commercial production. We are seeking a strategic partner to collaborate with in order to (1) isolate, purify, identify, characterize and structurally elucidate the bioactive compounds in five of the most anti-HIV active marine microorganisms; (2) evaluate in vitro mechanisms of action and any in vitro synergistic or additive effects with current antiretroviral therapies; and (3) evaluate the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of the purified anti-HIV compounds in a transgenic animal model. This research will be utilized to select a unique, lead anti-HIV candidate with a novel mechanism of action for clinical evaluation. Subsequently, we plan to conduct IND-enabling preclinical studies of toxicity, pharmacology and efficacy studies, file an IND with the FDA and conduct clinical trials with a pharmaceutical partner
