BRILACIDIN
Brilacidin is Innovation's lead drug candidate in its defensin-mimetic franchise.
Click here (pdf) (updated April 20) to learn more about the background and scientific rationale for Brilacidin as a potential novel coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment, one of the few promising drugs targeting COVID-19 that has been tested in FDA clinical trials for other indications, potentially enabling its expedited use against COVID-19.
Brilacidin recently achieved a Selectivity Index among the highest reported, exhibiting potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at low concentrations based on in vitro testing in a human lung cell line; a planned Phase 2 clinical trial is forthcoming.
Modeled after Host Defense Proteins (HDPs), the “front-line” of defense in the body's innate immune system, it is a synthetic, non-peptidic small molecule that kills pathogens swiftly, significantly reducing the likelihood of drug resistance developing. Just as importantly, Brilacidin functions in a robust immunomodulatory capacity, lessening inflammation and promoting healing.
Innovation is evaluating Brilacidin, under Fast Track designation, in a Phase 2 clinical trial as an oral rinse to attenuate Oral Mucositis in patients with Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) who have received chemoradiation. Topline study results indicate Brilacidin has a high potential for preventative treatment, as evidenced by a clear reduction of Severe OM (SOM) among patients on Brilacidin as compared to those on placebo. Additional secondary endpoint analysis, showing Brilacidin delayed the onset as well as reduced the duration of SOM, supports the drug candidate's therapeutic effect. The Company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have completed an End-of-Phase 2 meeting. Both parties agreed to an acceptable Brilacidin Phase 3 development pathway. The total Brilacidin oral mucositis market opportunity in HNC annually in the U.S. and Europe is estimated to be approximately $600 million to $1.2 billion.
Innovation also is testing Brilacidin, administered with water in an enema, in patients with Ulcerative Proctitis/Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis (UP/UPS) — a type of Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and, like Crohn's Disease, an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — in a proof-of-concept Phase 2 clinical trial. Topline findings support Brilacidin as a novel, non-corticosteriod, non-biologic IBD treatment, with a majority of patients treated achieving induction of clinical remission. Formulation development plans include foam and/or gel for the treatment of UP/UPS and oral tablets for the treatment of UC and Crohn's. Of note, the academic literature suggests a defensin/mucin deficiency in IBD, impacting the mucosal immune system, indicating Brilacidin may have a compensatory effect in this regard.
As a mimic of HDPs, which play a key regulatory role in the etiology of skin diseases, and due to its limited systemic absorption when topically applied (a favorable pharmacokinetic profile), Brilacidin may have other applications in treating dermatological disorders. Additional trials of Brilacidin are planned in Acne, Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema).
A key aspect of Brilacidin's mechanism of action, inhibiting Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), may further support its use in treating Asthma, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), alongside other chronic autoimmune conditions.
As a late-stage antibiotic drug candidate, the first in a new class of anti-infectives, Brilacidin is being advanced in the clinic under Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation — qualifying the drug candidate for Fast Track and Priority Review, as well as an extra 5 years of market exclusivity upon drug approval. A Phase 2b trial was completed evaluating Brilacidin as an intravenously-administered medication in treating Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infection (ABSSSI). Trial data showed a single dose of Brilacidin to be comparable in safety and efficacy to a 7-day dosing regimen of FDA-approved Daptomycin.
“BRILACIDIN [...] HAS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF REACHING COMMERCIALIZATION.”
— Dr. Michael Zasloff
Pre-clinical work has been conducted, as well, on the gram-negative, anti-fungal, biofilm and material applications of HDP-mimetic compounds.
Brilacidin and related compounds are protected under various composition and use patents. A patent was filed and is pending for the use of HDP-mimetics in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Another patent for compounds for use in treatment of mucositis has been awarded numerous global protections.
Click here (pdf) for a bibliography on the development of Brilacidin and the HDP-mimetics (pdf) program.
http://www.ipharminc.com/brilacidin-1
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