Brilacidin ,a defensin-mimetic drug candidate exhibiting broad-spectrum antiviral properties, is to be evaluated for its treatment potential against the monkeypox virus.- Innovation Pharma

To establish potential proof-of-concept, in vitro testing initially will be conducted in orthopoxviruses (poxviruses) related to monkeypox -- such as vaccinia and cowpox -- through a collaboration with National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) scientists. Testing in poxviruses builds on earlier NIH/NIAID-affiliated research of brilacidin in other acutely infectious virus families, including coronaviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses, with a corresponding scientific paper being prepared for publication.

Given brilacidin has exhibited antiviral activity in multiple virus families, the Company is excited that brilacidin will be tested in poxviruses. Academic literature supports brilacidin’s potential in poxviruses. For example, LL-37 and CRAMP, types of natural antimicrobial peptides with similar properties to those of brilacidin but without the advantages of synthetic design, have been shown in vitro and in vivo to exert antiviral activity against the poxvirus vaccinia.

Monkeypox is a contagious virus characterized by painful skin lesions and rashes and typically spreads through close physical contact. Symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus, with the illness lasting 2 to 4 weeks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Dashboard, over 26,500 monkeypox cases have been reported in 92 countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated between 1.6 and 1.7 million people in the U.S. are at highest risk of monkeypox infection. The WHO has declared the global monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, a designation reserved for only the most serious viral outbreaks, such as COVID-19, Zika and Ebola. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also declared monkey pox a national public health emergency.