HDT Bio announced that it has received a grant of ~$1.8 million from the US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity for development of the company’s HDT-201 RNA-based nasal spray for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. The company said that the funding will support pre-clinical safety and potency studies, with clinical trials anticipated to begin in 2025.
The intranasal formulation is based on the company’s LION lipid nanoparticle delivery platform and a RIG-I activating RNA (RAR) molecule developed at the University of Washington that can activate the body’s innate immune response, the company said. According to HDT Bio, preclinical studies have already demonstrated that the RAR molecule prevents or slows replication of a wide variety of viruses, including RSV, West Nile, dengue, influenza A, and SARS-CoV-2.
HDT Bio CEO Steve Reed commented, “Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed numerous deadly outbreaks of Ebola, Zika, SARS, MERS, and now SARS-CoV-2. The spread of viral diseases, whether due to unintentional outbreaks or bioterrorism, poses a significant risk to military health and readiness. By developing HDT-201 into an intranasal spray device, it could become part of a soldier’s kit, allowing for rapid response to deadly viral pathogens. We are grateful for the Army’s support and look forward to providing a product that can protect those who protect us.”
Read the HDT Bio press release.
