NexBio(R) Presents Data Showing Anti-Asthma Activity Of DAS181 (Fludase(R)) At ACAAI 2009

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Conferences;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 10 Nov 2009 - 1:00 PST

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NexBio, Inc. announced the presentation of new data at the 2009 annual American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in Miami, Florida. The presentation was entitled "DAS181 (Fludase®), a Sialidase, Decreases Airway Resistance and Has Potent Anti-inflammatory Effects in Animal Models of Asthma".

DAS181 (Fludase®) is an investigational broad spectrum host-targeting drug candidate being studied in human clinical development for treatment and prevention of Influenza-Like Illness caused by any strains of influenza and parainfluenza. NexBio has recently announced the publication of two articles describing activity in non-clinical models of DAS181 for Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) and for influenza resistant to Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI), in a peer-reviewed journal.

The new data presented from studies in three animal models of asthma, done by NexBio's academic collaborators, demonstrate that DAS181 inhibits airway hyperreactivity, characteristic of asthma. DAS181 further decreases the number of inflammatory cells and mucous secreting cells in the respiratory tract. In the animal models, DAS181 is as effective as a bronchodilator or a steroid which are anti-asthma drugs on the market. People with asthma are prone to develop severe complications when they catch influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of hospitalizations from the ongoing H1N1 Pandemic are in people with asthma.

The data were presented by Dr. Ronald Moss, NexBio's EVP of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. "These data support the unique dual activities of DAS181. Because of its antiviral and anti-asthmatic properties, DAS181 may provide an alternative influenza treatment option for people with asthma and pre-existing respiratory diseases. This may be of a particular importance as there is increasing prevalence of drug resistance to Tamiflu®, and the other NAI on the market, Relenza®, is contraindicated for this population." said Dr. Moss.

ABOUT NEXBIO

NexBio, Inc. is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in San Diego. NexBio's mission is to save lives and to improve the quality of life by creating and commercializing novel, broad-spectrum biopharmaceuticals to prevent and treat current and emerging life-threatening diseases. DAS181 (Fludase®), is an investigational drug that consists of an inhaled recombinant fusion protein. It inactivates viral receptors on the cells of the human respiratory tract, thereby preventing and treating infection by influenza, including potential pandemic strains, and by parainfluenza viruses (which may cause serious respiratory illness similar to influenza and for which there is no approved vaccine or therapeutic). The DAS181 development program is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, under BAA Contract HHSN266200600015C and grant U01-AI070281. Viradin(TM), invented and developed by NexBio, is a parenteral protein under development, currently at lead optimization stage, directed to the treatment of viral hemorrhagic fevers and bacterial biothreat sepsis. TOSAP® is a technology invented and developed by NexBio and is used to formulate DAS181 for inhalation, as well as to make nano/microparticles from virtually any type of molecule. TOSAP® is offered for the formulation of compounds of partners, under license.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE:

This release contains forward-looking information about the research and development program of NexBio and the potential efficacy of product candidates that might result from programs that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development activities; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to permit the clinical investigation of or approve any drug applications that may result from the programs as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the commercial potential of product candidates that may result from the program; and competitive developments.

Source: NexBio, Inc