NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NNVC) is taking a new
approach to combatting some of the world’s most commercially important viral
diseases through the development of nanotechnology-based biomimetic anti-viral
medicines called NanoViricides®. These microscopic agents are specially
designed to fool viruses into attaching to them, much like they attach to the
receptors of human cells. However, once attached, NanoViricides wrap around the
virus, trapping the infectious organism and destroying its coat proteins.
Without coat proteins, viruses are unable to bind to cells. In other words, the
company’s innovative antiviral technology renders targeted viruses completely
innocuous and effectively destroyed.
Although NNVC’s licensed technology may be effective in
combatting a host of viruses – including HIV/AIDS, cold sores and genital
herpes infection, viral eye diseases and dengue viruses – the company’s leading
product candidate is being developed for the treatment of severe influenza.
Injectable FluCide™ is a novel, first-in-class drug for which NNVC has filed a
pre-IND application. Late last year, the company reported that it is also
advancing preclinical studies for HerpeCide™, which it expects to serve as the
cornerstone for topical drugs designed to control herpes virus outbreaks for a
number of indications. In the months to come, NNVC intends to continue work on
both Injectable FluCide and HerpeCide in an effort to initiate clinical stage
testing in the near future.
“The topical HerpeCide program is developing in parallel
with our injectable FluCide,” Eugene Seymour, MD, MPH, chief executive officer
of NNVC, stated in a news release. “The HerpeCide program is likely to move
faster toward clinical trials, because of the inherent advantages in the nature
of topical drug development.”
According to company data, the current market size for
herpes simplex virus treatments is in excess of $2 billion annually.
Additionally, NNVC estimates that a drug that offers superior results to those
provided by existing therapies could result in significantly expanded market
size. Existing therapies against herpes simplex virus – including acyclovir,
famciclovir and chemically-related drugs – must be taken orally or by injection
and are largely ineffective as topical agents.
By developing HerpeCide in the form of topical drugs to
control herpes outbreaks for oral lesions, genital lesions and shingle
outbreaks, NNVC is targeting an immense market. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of every six people between the ages
of 14 and 49 have genital herpes. Similarly, roughly 80 percent of all
Americans have oral herpes.
As NNVC continues to advance its clinical pipeline, the
company is in a favorable position to promote sustainable industry growth. For
prospective shareholders, the combination of a strong nanomedicine intellectual
property portfolio and a promising development pipeline makes NNVC an
intriguing investment opportunity moving forward.
For more information, visit www.nanoviricides.com
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Sign up for “The Mission Report” at www.MissionIR.com
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
