Two New Tuberculosis (TB) Drugs Show Significant Synergy In Vitro
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequella, Inc., a
clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for
treatment of life-threatening infectious diseases, announced today
the publication of studies in the scientific journal Antimicrobial
Agents and Chemotherapy on synergy between SQ109, its lead drug
candidate for the treatment of TB, and TMC207, Tibotec lead TB drug
candidate:
Reddy, V.M., L. Einck, K. Andries, and C.A. Nacy. In Vitro
Interactions between New Antitubercular Drug Candidates SQ109 and
TMC207. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 54:2840-2846, Vol. 7, July
2010.
The results of the studies, a research collaboration between
Sequella and Tibotec, demonstrated that the combination of SQ109
with TMC207 decreased the TMC207 minimal inhibitory concentration
(MIC) by 4- to 8-fold for the etiologic agent of TB, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. SQ109 also improved the rate of killing of TB
bacteria over the rate of killing by each single drug, and it
extended the drug post antibiotic effect of TMC207 by 4 hours, with
no observable antagonistic activities. The presence of rifampin
(RIF) in three-drug combinations did not affect the synergistic
activities of SQ109 and TMC207, and SQ109 also significantly
decreased the MIC of RIF. SQ109 was active by itself, its activity
was improved by TMC207, and it improved the in vitro activities of
both RIF and TMC207.
"These results are very encouraging," commented Dr. Carol Nacy,
Sequella CEO. "TMC207 and SQ109 are two of the first new TB drugs
in forty years with the potential to form the foundation for a
better treatment regimen for TB and MDR-TB patients everywhere. We
look forward to the further substantiation of these results during
the in vivo phase of our partnership with Tibotec. "
SQ-109 is a new diamine antibiotic intended to replace one or
more of the current first-line anti-TB drugs to improve and
simplify patient therapy. SQ109 was granted U.S. FDA Fast Track
designation and FDA/EMEA Orphan Drug Designation in 2007. SQ109
shows activity against drug sensitive and multi-drug resistant (MDR
and XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB.
SQ109 has successfully completed its Phase I safety studies and
will begin its Phase II clinical efficacy program 2H 2010 in a
number of sites in Africa.
About Sequella
Sequella is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused
on commercializing improved treatments for life-threatening
infectious diseases. The company leverages its global influence,
R&D platforms, and disease expertise to proactively address
emerging health threats. Through focused execution, clear
commercialization pathways, and strategic partnerships, Sequella
intends to commercialize a broad product portfolio designed to
treat global health threats with significant market
opportunity.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are
subject to risks and uncertainties, and includes statements that
are not historical facts. Actual results could differ significantly
from results discussed. Sequella disclaims any intent or obligation
to update forward-looking statements, except as required by
law.
For more information contact: Alan S. Klein (alanklein@sequella.com),
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
Source: Sequella, Inc.
CONTACT: Alicia Moran, +1-410-991-7027, alicia@brightlinemedia.com,
for
Sequella, Inc.
Posted: July 2010
