Sequella Presents Data On Synergy Between Investigational New TB Drugs SQ109 And TMC207

Main Category: Tuberculosis
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 29 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Sequella, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing products to treat infectious diseases of epidemic potential, announces the successful demonstration of synergistic activities and improvement of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) resulting from in vitro combination studies of Sequella lead TB drug candidate, SQ109, and Tibotec's lead TB drug candidate, TMC207. Both drug candidates are currently undergoing human clinical studies.

Results from these studies were presented on October 28th at the Interscience Conference on Anti-Microbial Agents and Chemotherapeutics (ICAAC) and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) joint meeting in Washington, DC.

The collaboration between Sequella and Tibotec was designed to investigate in vitro interactions of SQ109 for synergistic, additive, or antagonistic activity in the presence of TMC207, using a number of clinical and laboratory strains of both drug sensitive and drug resistant M. tuberculosis (MTB). In vitro interactions investigated included synergy studies, rate of killing, post antibiotic effect and intracellular activity against MTB in macrophages.

There were no antagonistic activities observed in any combination studies. SQ109 and TMC207 in combination were either synergistic or additive with the various MTB strains and showed increased rate of killing, enhanced post antibiotic effect and intracellular killing activity. Results showed that the SQ109 and TMC207 drug combination was extraordinary potent, with greater than 90% kill of MTB as early as 1 day after drug combination exposure.

Dr. Carol Nacy, CEO of Sequella said, "We are very pleased to be collaborating with Tibotec, a world renowned product development organization, and we look forward to our continuing partnership to examine these important drug synergies in animal models of TB."

The next step of the collaboration will be to complete a series of in vivo studies in animal models of TB, currently underway.

About SQ109

The company's lead drug candidate, SQ109, completing Phase I clinical trials, is a new diamine antibiotic that could replace one or more of the current first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs to simplify or shorten therapy. SQ109 was granted U.S. FDA Fast Track and FDA/EMEA Orphan Drug Designation in 2007.

About Sequella

Sequella is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing improved treatments for infectious diseases of epidemic potential. The company leverages its global influence, R&D platforms and infectious disease expertise to proactively address emerging health threats. Through focused execution, clear commercialization pathways, and strategic partnerships, Sequella intends to commercialize a broad product portfolio designed to treat global health threats with significant market opportunity.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and includes statements that are not historical facts. Actual results could differ significantly from results discussed. Sequella disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Sequella, Inc.
http://www.sequella.com