Peptinnovate's exploitation of molecules derived from M.tuberculosis bacteria: The development of a prototype for treating acute inflammatory disease

Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria are present in about 2 billion people worldwide; they have evolved
over 1000’s of years to remain hidden in the body by producing proteins that modulate the
host's immune system. These proteins have been shown to interact with and reduce the body's
natural inflammatory processes.
Peptinnovate’s innovation
Peptinnovate’s approach is to unlock the anti-inflammatory activity of these proteins and to
develop new medicines for debilitating diseases such as acute organ failure and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by building on evolution and nature's ingenuity to
modify these proteins to more drug-like molecules.
Aims:
This project will enable our lead molecule PIN201104 to be synthesised, formulated and
tested in preliminary non-clinical studies for acute use via the intravenous route. Alongside
this we will also carry out in vivo efficacy studies in a range of inflammatory efficacy models
to widen the therapeutic utility of the molecule.
Objectives:
? To manufacture active substance in sufficient quantities to perform proposed studies,
? To prepare and stability test a formulation to be used in the proposed studies,
? To perform preliminary toxicology studies to include testing in a second species,
genotoxicity, immunogenicity assays and safety pharmacology studies,
? To perform definitive rat and dog DMPK studies,
? To demonstrate efficacy in a range of animal models of inflammation to extend
PIN201104 range of clinical indications,
Main benefits, likely outcomes and impacts
The worldwide market for inflammatory disease treatment is substantial (>$70 billion),
however recent safety scares have been attributed to a number of key drugs. Peptinnovate’s
paradigm shift in potential treatment options will have a profound impact on the lives of
millions of patients, reducing the burden on the healthcare providers and helping to build a
sustainable, UK based pharmaceutical company.