In a pre-clinical study, OXC-201 (TH5487) and its analogue TH6744 show antiviral activity and reduce ZIKV (Zika virus)-induced microcephaly in a chicken embryo model. Microcephaly is a neurological condition in which an infant’s head is much smaller than the heads of other children of the same age. They both demonstrated an effective therapeutic window and were safe and non-teratogenic. The treatment reverses ZIKV-induced neurotoxicity.
The results of the study were recently published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biochemical-and-biophysical-research-communications%22%20/o%20%22Go%20to%20Biochemical%20and%20Biophysical%20Research%20Communications%20on%20ScienceDirect) (Volume 781 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biochemical-and-biophysical-research-communications/vol/781/suppl/C%22%20/o%20%22Go%20to%20table%20of%20contents%20for%20this%20volume/issue),(2025) 152527; Science direct https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X25012422).
The study was done in collaboration with Prof. Thomas Helleday’s group, Karolinska Institute and Prof. Lucas Fraga’s group in Brazil (GBRD).
“We are very excited about the data that further strengthens the therapeutic potential of OXC-201 . The new findings will certainly support our efforts to explore new indications of OXC-201 in the anti-viral field.” Christina Kalderén, Preclinical Director, OXCIA AB
Briefly about Zika virus
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a human teratogen responsible for Congenital ZIKV Syndrome (CZS). This syndrome is characterized by a set of congenital anomalies markedly by microcephaly in newborns. To date, there is no fully approved medicine or vaccine that can prevent or minimize the harmful effects caused by ZIKV on embryonic development.
At the end of 2015, a large increase in the number of newborns presenting microcephaly was reported in Brazil. The correlation between prenatal ZIKV exposure and microcephaly was later confirmed, and ZIKV was considered to be a new human teratogen that is causative of Congenital ZIKV Syndrome. CZS is characterized by changes in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Between 2015 and 2022, more than 20,000 suspected cases of CZS were reported to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and CZS continues to be considered a global health problem.
Briefly about the compounds
OXC-201 (TH5487) is an oral small molecule inhibitor of OGG1, a crucial enzyme that repairs oxidative DNA damage. It is in development as a potential breakthrough approach for the treatment of IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). OXC-201 also has potential for e.g. other fibrotic conditions and inflammatory diseases and viral infections.
TH6744 is a compound analogue of OXC-201. They are both included in a series of OGG1-inhibitors that demonstrate anti-viral activity against a broad range of life threating and globally spread viruses, such as SARS-Cov-2 (Covid-19), EBV (Ebola), CCHFV (Congo hemorrhagic fever) and ZIKA virus. The antiviral activity of the compounds is suggested to act via destabilization of the host cell chaperone protein HSP70 which result in inhibition of the viral protein synthesis and replication in the host cell.
For more information contact:
Ulrika Warpman Berglund, CEO, Oxcia AB (publ)
Telephone: +46 (0) 73 270 9605
ulrika.warpmanberglund@oxcia.com
Briefly about Oxcia AB
Oxcia’s aim is to improve and extend lives by developing new innovative treatments based on our unique technology platform, O2-DDR. Oxcia AB is a pioneer in oxidative DNA damage and DNA Damage Response (DDR – the processes the body uses to repair the damage that occurs to DNA) with a focus on developing new safe and effective treatments for patients suffering from diseases caused by cancer or inflammation. Oxcia currently has two O2-DDR lead drug candidates, both with the potential to become first-in-class drugs. OXC-101 is in early clinical development as novel cancer therapy. OXC-201 is developed against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and is in the preclinical phase. The portfolio also includes exploratory projects, e.g in psoriasis.
More information about Oxcia is available at www.oxcia.com