Johnson & Johnson spinout PrEP Biopharm said that it is ready to initiate a real-world trial of its PrEP-001 intranasal “viral RNA surrogate” against common respiratory viruses after the successful completion of a toxicology study in dogs. The trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy PrEP-001, an intranasal dry powder formulation of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), against COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses.
According to the PrEP Biopharm web site, the nasal spray is in Phase 2 development for the prevention of influenza and for the prevention of other upper respiratory viruses. The company says that preclinical studies have demonstrated that PrEP-001 may be effective against a number of viruses, including SARS, MERS, and RSV and could also potentially be used as an adjuvant for intranasal vaccines against specific viruses.
PrEP Biopharm CEO Ryan Muldoon commented, “We are excited about these new data allowing us to dose PrEP-001 daily for up to 12 weeks which is the expected length of a typical cold and flu season. We intend to move forward with a field trial to assess the efficacy against a number of common respiratory viruses and provide real world validation of PrEP-001 as a novel pan-viral prophylaxis.”
Read the PrEP Biopharm press release.
