Broad-Spectrum Potential to Treat and Prevent Infectious Diseases

Recent years have seen a surge in scientific publications investigating the occurrence of exposed phosphatidylserine (PS) during the infections caused by viruses and protozoan parasites. These groups of pathogens are responsible for many of the deadliest and most widespread diseases affecting mankind including AIDS and malaria.

Peregrine's PS targeting antibodies may address a common immune evasion mechanism exploited by infectious pathogens. Exposed PS is a subject of increasing study by researchers worldwide as a result of its thoroughly documented immunosuppressive activity, its active role in numerous infections, and its potential as a valid broad-spectrum therapeutic target.

Peregrine's PS-Targeting Infectious Disease Program: Milestones to date

• Clinical stage Hepatitis C virus (HCV) program:
  • Randomized Phase II clinical trial evaluating our lead PS-targeting antibody bavituximab combined with ribavirin versus pegylated interferon alpha-2a with ribavirin in patients infected with genotype-1 HCV. Patient enrollment in this trial was completed in September of 2011 with preliminary results reported in December 2011.
  • Three completed Phase I HCV clinical trials in which bavituximab was generally safe and well tolerated
• Publication in the Journal of Experimental Medicine demonstrating the ability of PS-targeting antibodies to inhibit HIV infection in vitro.
• Data published in the journal Nature Medicine supporting broad-spectrum antiviral activity of PS targeting antibodies against lethal viral infections in animals.
• Several U.S. and international issued patents and allowed applications establishing intellectual property leadership in the emerging field of PS targeting therapeutics for the treatment of life-threatening infections.

Read more about bavituximab's antiviral mechanism of action...