Sunshine Biopharma Inc. announced today that it has developed an orally active protease inhibitor demonstrating dose-dependent antiviral activity in mice infected with SARS Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This new compound, SBFM-PL4, targets the PLpro enzyme, which is crucial for viral replication and immune system suppression. The company highlights that unmet medical needs still exist for effective agents to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Preclinical data for SBFM-PL4 showed activity at sub micromolar concentrations against PLpro and exhibited antiviral activity in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, including several variants of concern. The compound also demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics properties in rodent species, with preferred drug accumulation in the lungs over plasma. This suggests a targeted delivery mechanism.
Crucially, SBFM-PL4 was orally active in a mouse model, significantly reducing virus load without gross toxicities. This positions SBFM-PL4 as a potential first-in-class PLpro protease inhibitor, offering a differentiated treatment option for patients who may not be able to use existing antivirals due to drug interactions or side effects.
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