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Novel Catalytic MetalloDrug Targeting IRES RNA for Treatment of HCV Infection

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 2R44AA016712-03A2
Agency Tracking Number: R44AA016712
Amount: $2,004,496.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NIAAA
Solicitation Number: PA09-095
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1790 Riverstone Drive
Delaware, OH -
United States
DUNS: 140535845
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 ADA COWAN
 (740) 815-9851
 metallopharm@gmail.com
Business Contact
 JAMES COWAN
Phone: (740) 815-9851
Email: metallopharm@gmail.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): HCV is responsible for 60% of the cases of chronic hepatitis and 50% of cases of cirrhosis, end- stage liver disease, and liver cancer. An effective vaccine has proved elusive and the preferred therapy with pegylated interferon is effective in less than 50% of patients with genotype 1 and 75% of patients with genotypes 2 or 3. Clearly, new treatment alternatives are needed. Interest in HCV IRES RNA as a drug target is reflected by the increasing number of small and largepharma companies pursuing that goal. MetalloPharm has created a novel platform technology (metallodrugs) that has the potential to irreversibly destroy the HCV IRES RNA. The specific aims are directed toward selection of a lead and back-up drug candidatefor IND-enabling pre- clinical testing following validation of cellular mode of action against IRES RNA and uptake mechanisms; assessment of PK, toxicity and efficacy data; and exploration of methods to improve serum half life. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Millions of people worldwide are infected with HCV, including a significant portion of the US population. HCV is responsible for 60% of the cases of chronic hepatitis and 50% of cases of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer. An effective vaccine has proved elusive and current therapy is effective in less than 50% of patients. Clearly, new treatment alternatives are needed. MetalloPharm has created a novel class of therapeutics (metallodrugs) that function by destroying a key molecule inthe viral life cycle with the potential to halt the progression of, or completely eliminate the virus.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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