LARCHMONT, N.Y., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals, LLC today announced that jointly with Dr. Ernesto Freire, Professor of Biology at The Johns Hopkins University, and members of Dr. Freire's laboratory, they have designed and experimentally tested a number of new compounds, which inhibit an enzyme critical to the viability of the SARS virus. The new inhibitors are the subject of a recent patent application filed jointly by Fulcrum and Hopkins scientists. The research work leading to the successful inhibitors in Dr. Freire's laboratory was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
The lead compounds inhibit an enzyme (SARS-associated coronavirus protease 3CLpro) that is critical for the life of the virus. After the genetic sequence of the SARS virus was published, Dr. Freire's team was able to clone the protease enzyme in order to test the activity of the designed inhibitors. The successful inhibitors were developed in just months through the use of a proprietary thermodynamics-based molecular design technology - a technology that rapidly and reliably designs drug candidates with exceptionally high specificity and affinity for their targets.
Sam Milstein, CEO of Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals commented, "We are enthusiastic that our drug design platforms facilitated the design, synthesis, and evaluation of these potential life-saving agents. Fulcrum looks forward to effective partnering to speed the advancement of these compounds into the clinic."
The first cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) appeared at the end of 2002 in Southern China. In late March 2003, a coronavirus never before seen in humans was identified as the causative agent of SARS. In April 2003, the genome of the SARS-associated coronavirus was sequenced. By May 2003, SARS had spread to other continents through international travel. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that a total of 15,000 people were infected during the original outbreak with an average mortality rate of 15% that grows to 50% for persons over 65. No SARS-specific drugs are presently available.
Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals is a private, NY-based biotechnology company focused on drug design and drug discovery. Using its proprietary technologies, Fulcrum has designed and developed breakthrough innovations in candidate therapeutics for arthritis, oncology, osteoporosis, infectious diseases and other significant clinical indications. The Company has also demonstrated the breakthrough ability to design small molecules which mimic the activity of large protein-based drugs. Fulcrum is actively negotiating with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for further development of elements of its proprietary compound portfolio.
Under a licensing agreement between Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals and the Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Freire is entitled to a share of royalty received by the University on sales of products. Dr. Freire and the University own Fulcrum stock, which is subject to certain restrictions under University policy. Dr. Freire also is a paid consultant to Fulcrum. The terms of this arrangement are being managed by the Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.
About Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals
Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals is a private, NY-based biotechnology company focused on drug design and drug discovery. Using its proprietary technologies, Fulcrum has designed and developed breakthrough innovations in candidate therapeutics for arthritis, oncology, osteoporosis, infectious diseases and other significant clinical indications. The Company has also demonstrated the breakthrough ability to design small molecules, which mimic the activity of large protein-based drugs. Fulcrum is actively negotiating with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for further development of elements of its proprietary compound portfolio.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect Fulcrum's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated from such forward-looking statements. The potential risk factors include Fulcrum's limited operating history and Fulcrum's ability to attract significant additional financing and incur operational losses and negative cash flow.
Fulcrum Pharmaceuticals, LLC; Johns Hopkins University