Biosyn Inc has acquired exclusive, worldwide rights from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the development and commercialization of the novel protein, cyanovirin-N, as an HIV microbicide. Cyanovirin-N (CV-N) has shown remarkably potent anti-HIV activity in laboratory studies and in animal models. Based on these data, Biosyn foresees significant potential in the development of CV-N as a microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.
CV-N is a novel protein isolated from the cyanobacterium, Nostoc ellipsosporum (blue-green algae). Promising results of NIH research into the protein's use in preventing HIV included a primate model in which CV-N was shown to prevent transmission of simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), an HIV-like virus that infects monkeys. "CV-N is a member of an exciting new class of HIV drugs termed fusion inhibitors," stated Dr. Richard Bax, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Biosyn. "By preventing HIV entry into and fusion with target cells, CV-N effectively inhibits the virus' mode of infection. As an intravaginal gel applied prior to intercourse, CV-N could help to avert the sexual transmission of HIV."
Under the NIH license, Biosyn receives exclusive, worldwide rights to the development and commercialization of CV-N as a microbicide, in exchange for certain milestone and royalty payments to be made to the NIH. "This agreement with NIH greatly expands our portfolio of products in the area of HIV and sexually transmitted disease, an area in which Biosyn commands a leadership position," stated Anne-Marie Corner, President & CEO of Biosyn. As announced in November 2002, the NIH awarded the company a $10 million grant for the development of CV-N as a microbicide. These funds support an ongoing development program for CV-N at Biosyn and will continue to be utilized to progress the drug into clinical trials.