Zentek and Triera Biosciences Ltd. Achieve Positive Results Against Avian Influenza (H5N1) using Multivalent Aptamer Technology
Zentek announces that its subsidiary, Triera Biosciences , has achieved positive results against avian influenza (H5N1) using multivalent aptamer technology. The development of a prophylaxis and therapeutic for highly pathogenic avian influenza has been prioritized, with promising initial test results. The binding affinity of the influenza aptamer is superior to that of the aptamer used for SARS-CoV-2, showing improved protection in animal models. The World Health Organization has labeled the current H5N1 outbreak as an 'enormous concern,' prompting governments worldwide to focus on combating the virus. Triera has filed a provisional patent on the influenza virus-targeting aptamer, aiming to develop assets to prevent further transmission of H5N1 and other infectious diseases.
Prioritization of the development of a prophylaxis and therapeutic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1).
Selection of a universal aptamer for influenza with superior binding affinity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 aptamer, showing promising results in animal models.
Filing a provisional patent on the influenza virus-targeting aptamer to protect intellectual property.
Focus on developing assets to prevent further transmission of H5N1 and other infectious diseases, addressing global concerns regarding pandemics.
Research conducted by the Li Lab at McMaster University to synthesize lead therapeutic and prophylactic candidates, aiming for pre-clinical testing in the near future.
Potential risks associated with the development of therapeutics for highly pathogenic avian influenza, including regulatory hurdles and clinical trial uncertainties.
Potential challenges in achieving successful outcomes in in vivo testing and pre-clinical trials, which could impact the timeline for commercialization.
Uncertainty regarding the ultimate effectiveness of the multivalent aptamer technology in combating infectious diseases, with further testing required for validation.
Insights
The announcement of a potential breakthrough in prophylaxis and therapeutic solutions for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 by Zentek and Triera Biosciences utilizing multivalent aptamer technology is undoubtedly noteworthy. In the context of an ongoing global concern and the virus's potential transmission to humans, this represents a significant leap in infectious disease management, particularly for a virus with a historic mortality rate as high as 52% in limited human cases.
The comparison of the binding affinity to that of the SARS-CoV-2 aptamer is particularly interesting. If the aptamer can indeed bind with high affinity to multiple subtypes of the HA surface protein, preventing the virus from entering healthy cells, it could be a game-changer in flu pandemic preparedness and response. Considering the societal and economic disruptions caused by pandemic diseases, a successful therapeutics and prophylactics suite could mean not just health benefits but also robust market potential for Zentek.
However, one must remain cautious as the findings are still in the preliminary stages. Investors should monitor the progress of in vivo tests and await regulatory reviews before drawing concrete conclusions on the financial implications.
The filing of a provisional patent for the influenza virus-targeting aptamer is a important step in securing intellectual property rights for Zentek and Triera Biosciences. Patent protection can enhance company valuation, especially when it pertains to technologies with potential to address public health emergencies such as the H5N1 outbreak.
In the biotech industry, where competition is fierce, a patent not only provides a competitive edge but can also open doors for strategic partnerships, licensing deals and government contracts which are fundamental for a company's growth trajectory. Investors should evaluate the strength and scope of the patent, as well as the company's track record in successfully bringing similar technologies to market when assessing the potential financial impact.
The focus on developing a universal aptamer for the influenza virus underlines the strategic move by Zentek to address a broad spectrum of influenza viruses, which could lead to a substantial broad-market application. With the ongoing H5N1 outbreaks and the World Health Organization's labeling of the situation as an 'enormous concern,' there is a clear market need for new infectious disease management systems.
A successful therapeutic could not only have direct health benefits but also support the continuity of the food supply chain by mitigating the spread among livestock. Given that governments worldwide are prioritizing such developments, significant public funding and support could be anticipated, potentially boosting investor confidence in Zentek's market position and future revenue streams.
GUELPH, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 6, 2024 / Zentek Ltd. ("Zentek" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:ZTEK)(TSX-V:ZEN), announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd. ("Triera") has prioritized the development of a prophylaxis and therapeutic for highly pathogenic avian influenza ("HPAI") and reports initial test results.
Background and Highlights:
Universal aptamer has been selected for influenza virus, including H5N1
Binding affinity of influenza aptamer is better than aptamer used for SARS-CoV-2, which has demonstrated improved protection over leading monoclonal antibodies in animal models
Development prioritized given current global HPAI H5N1 outbreak. In vivo testing to begin immediately
World Health Organization deems current H5N1 outbreak "enormous concern," priority target for numerous governments around the world
Provisional patent filed on influenza virus-targeting aptamer
The recent avian influenza H5N1 outbreak which began in 2020, has reached a critical stage, according to the World Health Organization. Recently, the world has been placed on watch as H5N1 has crossed into livestock in the U.S. and H5N1 RNA sequences have been detected in the milk supply. The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Jeremy Farrar, has expressed "enormous concern" to public health as the transmission of the virus has increased amongst livestock. H5N1 has the potential to lead to a severe pandemic with a historic mortality rate as high as
Government agencies have expressed their concern of an H5N1 outbreak and their interest to develop further assets that could either treat or prevent further transmission of H5N1 to the human population. There is also interest for new options to mitigate the spread of H5N1 amongst livestock as this could have a potentially devastating impact on the food supply and the economy - along with providing an opportunity for the virus to better adapt to mammals, which increases risk to humans.
Due to the growing concern of HPAI, Triera has recently prioritized the development of a universal aptamer for influenza. The mechanism of neutralizing the H5N1 virus is comparable to the mechanism used by C19HBA against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. More specifically, the aptamer is believed to bind to and neutralize multiple subtypes of the HA surface protein (e.g., H1, H2, H5, etc.), preventing the virus from entering healthy cells and spreading infection.
Lead aptamer sequences for influenza have already been selected by the Li Lab at McMaster University for the creation of a universal influenza aptamer. These lead candidates have been tested using a dot blot assay and biolayer interferometry to assess the binding affinity to the H5 protein for avian influenza. The lead monomer candidates for influenza are binding with an affinity less than one nanomolar, which compares favourably to the monomer used to form C19HBA.
The team at McMaster have used the proprietary multivalent aptamer technology to synthesize lead therapeutic and prophylactic candidates. In the coming weeks, the neutralization and therapeutic potential of these lead candidates will be assessed through in vitro and in vivo tests conducted by the Miller Laboratory. These results will be used to guide further optimization with the goal of having a final lead therapeutic candidate ready for pre-clinical testing as soon as possible.
If the H5N1 high binding aptamer program generates promising results, Triera will provide regular updates to government agencies responsible for the management and response to H5N1. Triera's ultimate goal is to develop an avian flu infectious management system that combines the use of diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapeutics leading to a simple strategy that detects, protects and treats based on the same multivalent aptamer agent.
"Our aptamer platform technology has produced robust safety and efficacy results using Covid as a proof of concept. And with the mechanism of neutralizing the H5N1 virus very comparable to that which neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, we are confident we can further prove out our platform's ability to more rapidly respond to outbreaks compared to traditional treatments. Longer term, we have the potential to offer a complete program that could minimize the impact from numerous infectious diseases by providing prophylaxis, therapeutic and rapid detection using the same aptamer" said Greg Fenton, CEO of the Company and Triera. "Outbreaks and associated repercussions - both human and economic - will be an ongoing reality for society. Based on results achieved to date with Dr. Yingfu Li's world-leading aptamer selection capabilities, we believe Triera is uniquely positioned to most effectively develop assets that could either treat or prevent further transmission of H5N1 and many other infectious diseases in the years ahead."
Triera's advisor, Dr. Matthew Miller, who supports the SARS-CoV-2 research program and is a Canada Research Chair in Viral Pandemics and expert in pandemic influenza and has served on several federal committees related to pandemic readiness. He noted, "I believe that Triera's decision to prioritize avian influenza is sound. This aptamer solution could radically reduce the impact from a pandemic outbreak in a timely and efficient manner. Based on the SARS-CoV-2 experience, I believe that Triera can find a solution to mitigate avian influenza in Canada and globally."
About Triera Biosciences Ltd.
Triera holds an exclusive, worldwide royalty bearing license from McMaster University to use and practice all aptamer and DNAzyme uses developed through the collaboration with the Li Lab by McMaster University for the next 20 years. Triera and McMaster's combined expertise and capabilities in aptamer technology offer significant potential to reduce the cost and time required for the development of new treatments.
About Zentek Ltd.
Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener.
Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD™, is shown to have 99-per-cent anti-microbial activity and to significantly increase the bacterial and viral filtration efficiency of both surgical masks and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Zentek's ZenGUARD™ production facility is located in Guelph, Ontario.
Zentek, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd., has a global exclusive license to the aptamer-based platform technology developed by McMaster University, which is being jointly developed by Zentek and McMaster for both the diagnostic and therapeutic markets.
The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its aptamer technology has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus) at this time.
For further information contact:
Dr. Colin Van der Kuur
Chief Science Officer
Email: cvanderkuur@triera.ca
Phone: 778-808-6424
To find out more about Zentek, please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on Zentek's SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE: Zentek Ltd.
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
What technology did Zentek and Triera Biosciences use against avian influenza (H5N1)?
Zentek and Triera Biosciences used multivalent aptamer technology against avian influenza (H5N1).
What is the World Health Organization's view on the current H5N1 outbreak?
The World Health Organization has labeled the current H5N1 outbreak as an 'enormous concern.'
What is the goal of Triera in developing assets for avian influenza and other infectious diseases?
Triera aims to develop assets to prevent further transmission of H5N1 and other infectious diseases.
