The human herpesviridae family contains eight members divided into three subfamilies, designated alpha, beta and gamma. The alpha herpes viruses include herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). The beta herpes viruses include human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), two variants of human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6A, HHV-6B), and human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7). The gamma herpes viruses include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Herpes virus infections are commonly acquired, and many present major health concerns, especially among immunocompromised patient populations (e.g., transplant recipients, AIDS patients, and the elderly). Because of the narrow spectrum of current therapeutics, emergence of resistant virus strains, and the limiting toxicities of current treatment options, there is a definite need for new agents that are effective and safe for treating herpes virus infections, particularly those caused by drug-resistant virus strains in the immunocompromised patient. We have previously identified the methylenecyclopropane nucleosides (MCPNs) as potent inhibitors of HCMV, HHV- 6 and HHV-8. The original goal of the SBIR Phase I proposal was to identify new MCPN analogs with even greater anti-HHV6/8 potency and efficacy, while maintaining HCMV activity. We have exceeded that SBIR Phase I goal, and have now identified novel MCPN analogs with a very unusual, broad anti-herpes spectrum of activity that includes the alpha-, beta- and gamma-herpes viruses, including ACV resistant strains. To our knowledge, this broad spectrum activity has not been seen with existing anti-herpes virus agents. The primary objective of this SBIR Phase II proposal is to evaluate a limited number of the most potent MCPNs in murine toxicity, PK/PD, and efficacy (HSV/CMV/VZV) in animal models to identify a final broad- spectrum anti-herpes virus preclinical candidate, and backup compound, to advance into IND enabling rat GLP toxicology and safety pharmacology studies.

Public Health Relevance

The overall goal of the project is to develop a single agent active against all herpes viruses for use in the immunocompromised patient population. The primary objective of this SBIR Phase II proposal is to evaluate a limited number of the most potent MCPNs in murine toxicity, PK/PD, and efficacy (HSV/CMV/VZV) models to identify a final broad-spectrum anti-herpes virus preclinical candidate, and backup compound, to advance into IND-enabling rat GLP toxicology and safety pharmacology studies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44AI082799-05
Application #
8648980
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-U (10))
Program Officer
Dempsey, Walla L
Project Start
2009-02-11
Project End
2015-04-30
Budget Start
2014-05-01
Budget End
2015-04-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$1,000,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Microbiotix, Inc
Department
Type
DUNS #
158864715
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01605
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Komazin-Meredith, Gloria; Cardinale, Steven C; Comeau, Katelyn et al. (2015) TAOK3 phosphorylates the methylenecyclopropane nucleoside MBX 2168 to its monophosphate. Antiviral Res 119:23-7
Komazin-Meredith, Gloria; Chou, Sunwen; Prichard, Mark N et al. (2014) Human cytomegalovirus UL97 kinase is involved in the mechanism of action of methylenecyclopropane analogs with 6-ether and -thioether substitutions. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 58:274-8
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