Most people are surprised to find out that two types of
herpes viruses — the one that causes cold sores and the one that causes
chickenpox — can cause a condition called herpetic eye disease. Unlike a
separate virus that causes genital herpes, herpetic eye disease is not sexually
transmitted.
The recent presentation by the CEO of NanoViricides, Inc.
(NYSE MKT: NNVC), Eugene Seymour MD, MPH, at Biotech Showcase 2016 illustrated
how the company is currently moving full speed ahead with human trials for its
lead virucidal herpes (of the eye/cornea) keratitis (inflammation of the
cornea) treatment, HerpeCide™. Human clinical trials are currently on-track to
begin late this year or in early 2017, and commercially-available HerpeCide
would be a most welcome addition to the healthcare system’s existing biomedical
arsenal, as ocular herpetic disease in general is a serious challenge for both
optometrists and patients.
Herpes keratitis is the leading cause of infectious
blindness in the Western world and ultimately requires a corneal transplant
when it has progressed to the stage of blindness. Corneal transplant is a
difficult procedure that can often fail and the procedure can cost as much as
$24,400 on average, according to actuarial intelligence giant Milliman. The
major herpes viruses that cause ocular disease (simplex and zoster) quite often
bring about immunologic reactions in the host that outlive any active infection
as well, meaning that the latent demand for a real solution is considerably
larger than the baseline market metrics would indicate.
One of the viruses that causes herpetic eye disease is
called the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox
and shingles. When this virus affects the eye, it is called herpes zoster
ophthalmicus.
Herpes keratitis is a viral infection of the eye caused by
the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two major types of the virus. Type I
is the most common and primarily infects the face, causing the familiar “cold
sore” or “fever blister.” Type II is the sexually transmitted form of herpes,
infecting the genitals.
The combined estimated market size for NanoViricides’s
antiviral eye drops designed to fight conjunctivitis/keratitis, its HerpeCide™
indication for shingles, as well as ocular and genital herpes (note that HSV-1
has also been linked to Alzheimer’s), and its DengueCide™ indication to combat
Dengue arboviruses (West Nile, Yellow Fever, Japanese B Encephalitis), are in
the neighborhood of $17 billion.
While both Type I and Type II herpes can spread to the eye
and cause infection, Type I is by far the most frequent cause of eye
infections. Infection can be transferred to the eye by touching an active
lesion (a cold sore or blister) and then your eye.
Type I herpes is very contagious and is commonly transmitted
by skin contact with someone who has the virus. Almost everyone — about 90
percent of the population — is exposed to Type I herpes, usually during
childhood.
After the original infection, the virus lies in a dormant
state, living in nerve cells of the skin or eye. Reactivation can be triggered
in a number of ways, including: stress; sun exposure; fever; trauma to the body
(such as injury or surgery); menstruation; and certain medications.
Once herpes simplex is present in the eye, it typically
infects the eyelids, conjunctiva (the thin, filmy, mucous membrane that covers
the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye) and cornea (the clear,
front window of the eye). It may also infect the inside of the eye; however,
this is much less common. The symptoms of herpes keratitis may include pain,
redness, blurred vision, tearing, discharge and sensitivity to light.
If the infection is superficial, involving only the cornea’s
outer layer (called the epithelium), it will usually heal without scarring.
However, it if involves the deeper layers of cornea (which can happen after
time), the infection may lead to scarring of the cornea, loss of vision and
sometimes even blindness. Left untreated, herpes keratitis can severely damage
your eye.
NanoViricides recently entered into an agreement with the
University of Pittsburgh for the testing of its nanoviricides® drug candidates
in standard animal models of ocular virus infections. Dr. Eric Romanowski,
research director, will perform the research in the Charles T. Campbell
Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory. Dr. Romanowski has extensive experience in
ocular virus infections and anti-viral agents discovery.
These animal studies will evaluate the efficacy and potency
of the company’s nanoviricides anti-viral agents in ocular viral infections.
The goal of these studies is to help select clinical drug development
candidates for treatment of ocular herpes keratitis in humans.
“We are very pleased to have the Campbell Laboratory join
our efforts in developing a drug against Herpes Keratitis,” Eugene Seymour, MD,
MPH, CEO of NanoViricides, stated in a recent news release, adding, “This is a
renowned lab in the field of ocular infections with substantial experience in
antiviral drugs development. We plan to perform IND-enabling efficacy studies
of our anti-viral agents at the Campbell Labs.”
The Charles T. Campbell Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory
is part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Eye Center (UPMC Eye
Center). The UPMC Eye Center in the Department of Ophthalmology of the
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has one of the top basic and
clinical research programs in the country. UPMC Eye Center’s research focuses
on infectious disease, ocular immunology, molecular genetics and molecular
biology of retinal disease, glaucoma and advanced diagnostic imaging technology
development.
For more information, please visit the company’s website at
www.nanoviricides.com
About MissionIR
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
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
