Marinomed Biotech AG
Marinomed Biotech AG announces positive data demonstrating Carragelose efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants
DGAP-News: Marinomed Biotech AG
/ Key word(s): Study
Marinomed Biotech AG announces positive data demonstrating Carragelose efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Korneuburg, Austria, 21 April 2021 – Marinomed Biotech AG (VSE:MARI), an Austrian science-based biotech company with globally marketed therapeutics derived from innovative proprietary technology platforms, announced today that Carragelose inactivates the new, rapidly spreading variants and SARS-CoV-2 wildtype with similar efficacy in vitro. The Company tested the three variants that currently mostly drive the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the so-called British or B.1.1.7, the South-African or B.1.351, and the Brazilian or P1 variant.[*] The data demonstrate that also with increasing prevalence of virus variants, the marketed OTC Carragelose-based lozenges, nasal and throat sprays will continue to effectively contribute to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major health, social, and economic burden, and we now see variants of SARS-CoV-2 taking over the dynamics of the pandemic. We are very confident in these results that show Carragelose inactivates SARS-CoV-2, independent of the mutations we tested,” said Dr. Eva Prieschl-Grassauer, Chief Scientific Officer at Marinomed. “Given the broad antiviral efficacy and the physical mode of action, we were convinced that SARS-CoV-2 variants are unlikely to evade the antiviral efficacy of Carragelose. With these new results we confirmed the hypothesis that our Carragelose-based products continue to be effective also against the mutations of concern currently emerging strongly. We believe that this will hold true for any future variants.” In recent in vitro tests, Marinomed included four lentiviruses differently pseudotyped with the spike protein of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 or one of the three variants B.1.1.7, B1.351 and P1, respectively. Carragelose was able to inactivate all four virus forms at concentrations below 5 µg/ml. This is clinically relevant for the use of Carragelose-containing products: The marketed nasal sprays have a Carragelose concentration of 1.2 mg / ml, a more than 200-fold higher dose as shown to be effective in vitro. The non-sulfated polymers HPMC and CMC were ineffective even at the highest concentrations tested. In addition, two of the three SARS-CoV-2 variants (B1.1.7 and B1.351) were independently tested in Vero cell tissue culture in cooperation with the virological institute of the University Hospital Erlangen, Germany. Carragelose showed similar effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 wild type and the tested variants. Dr. Prieschl-Grassauer continued: “We are very pleased to show that Carragelose is effective regardless of the actual SARS-CoV-2 variant. With the extensive discussions we are seeing around maintaining efficacy against a mutating virus, it is reassuring to know that Carragelose is a simple, safe, and effective means of supporting the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. With the data we have already seen against SARS-CoV-2 wild type, we are confident that this will hold true also for SARS-CoV-2 variants in the clinic.” Marinomed’s lentivirus data show the ability of Carragelose to prevent the virus from attaching to the host cell. The infectious virus particles used in the cooperation with the virological institute of the University Hospital Erlangen mimic the effect of an actual infection, where the virus replicates in the host cells and then reinfects further cells, thereby spreading the infection in the body. Both are established and scientifically widely accepted models. Taken together, the data show how Carragelose can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants in tissue culture. The cooperation partners plan to publish the data in a peer reviewed journal. About Carragelose(R): About Marinomed Biotech AG For further inquiries contact:
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on current views, expectations and projections of the management of Marinomed Biotech AG about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those described in, or expressed or implied by, such statements. The current views, expectations and projections of the management of Marinomed Biotech AG may be identified by the context of such statements or words such as “anticipate,” “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “project” and “target”. Forward-looking statements are only valid as of the date they are made and Marinomed Biotech AG does not assume any obligation to update, review or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
21.04.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a service of EQS Group AG. |