#Israel #Petah Tikva #Oxford University #Interna Therapeutics #Ongoing Trials

Interna Therapeutics and University of Oxford Collaboration

Recently, Interna Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company in the clinical stage, announced a significant partnership with the renowned University of Oxford. This collaboration aims to advance their innovative intranasal Molecular Nano-Motor (MNM)-siRNA drug, specifically designed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections. The agreement outlines the execution of a Phase IIa human challenge trial, marking a pivotal development in RNA therapeutics.

The trial is backed by funding from the Gates Foundation, which reflects their commitment to expanding access to effective medical innovations designed to combat respiratory viral infections. The study will be spearheaded by top experts in human challenge models and vaccinology, ensuring thorough and credible evaluations of the drug’s efficacy and safety.

Significance of the Trial

Yuval Gottenstein, the CEO of Interna Therapeutics, expressed his optimism regarding this strategic partnership, noting, "For the first time, we will demonstrate that a locally administered siRNA drug can effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection right at the entry point." This statement encapsulates the potential impact of the MNM technology, not only in terms of its direct application but also as a new framework for preventing and treating various respiratory viral diseases.

The human challenge trial will recruit healthy adult volunteers who will be deliberately exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus under carefully controlled conditions. This allows for the collection of high-quality data regarding the MNM-siRNA's efficacy and safety, a crucial step in bringing this program closer to the later stages of clinical development.

How the MNM-siRNA Works

Interna's investigational therapy utilizes a proprietary technology that delivers siRNA directly into the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, targeting a viral gene critical for replication. This cutting-edge treatment is designed for self-administration through an intranasal spray. Its dual purpose of acting as both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis offers a unique advantage, especially to immunocompromised patients who are at greater risk of severe illness.

Broader Implications

Roger Kornberg, a Nobel Laureate and Scientific President of Interna Therapeutics, voiced his confidence in the MNM platform, asserting that the upcoming trial has implications that far exceed respiratory viral diseases alone. The market opportunity is vast, particularly since the demand for effective solutions remains unparalleled in the immunocompromised demographic, estimated to number around three million individuals in the United States alone.

Interna Therapeutics anticipates an annual market exceeding $8 billion based on conservative predictions, highlighting the immense need for effective treatments given that many immunocompromised patients do not respond adequately to vaccines and continue to face life-threatening risks.

Past Clinical Successes

This notable trial follows a successful Phase I clinical trial conducted in Israel, where the intranasal MNM-siRNA drug proved to be safe and well-tolerated among healthy volunteers. The Phase I study represented the first clinical evaluation of this novel delivery system, establishing a strong foundation for subsequent trials. Preclinical evaluations also demonstrated significant antiviral efficacy, coupled with favorable safety profiles, paving the way for this advancement into human trials.

Future Prospects

Looking forward, the collaboration with Oxford under the guidance of Professor Helen McShane, an expert in Vaccinology, adds another layer of credibility and expertise to the trial. "We are eager to employ our established SARS-CoV-2 human challenge model to assess this promising new therapeutic approach," stated McShane, underscoring the synergy expected from this partnership.

With the backing of the Gates Foundation and the expertise of Oxford University, this trial represents a momentous step towards discovering effective interventions for SARS-CoV-2 and potentially reshaping the landscape of respiratory viral infection treatments. As Interna Therapeutics pushes forward, the hope remains that this innovative approach through intranasal delivery will provide necessary protection to those most vulnerable in society.