BOTHELL, Wash., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Helix BioMedix, Inc. , a developer of bioactive peptides, today announced that the company has filed a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new class of “small molecule” antimicrobial hexapeptides. The invention relates to compositions and methods comprising antimicrobial hexapeptides exhibiting desired antifungal and antibacterial properties. A provisional application for the patent had been filed on February 9, 2005.
“The filing of a patent for this new class of small molecule hexapeptides is one of our key milestones for 2006 and keeps Helix BioMedix at the forefront of peptide discovery and development,” commented R. Stephen Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While antimicrobial agents have been around for decades, there has been a growing need for new ways to treat an increasing number of drug-resistant bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The challenge with peptide-based antimicrobial drug development has always been to retain antimicrobial activity while reducing size and charge. As evidenced by this patent filing, we believe we have the potential to create a new generation of small molecule peptide anti-microbials that are stable and active in biological environments, have low toxicity and are cost-effective to manufacture.”
Specifically, this patent encompasses a class of hexapeptide represented by a specific formula consisting of hydrophilic, hydrophobic and aromatic residues organized within specific structural parameters. These structures exhibit potent, rapidly cidal, antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens including multiply-resistant gram-positive bacteria such as MRSA. In the case of fungi, this potent activity is exhibited against Candida species such as C. albicans, C.tropicalis and C.glabrata and dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The hexapeptides of the present invention exhibit antimicrobial activity which is maintained in serum, desirable stability, synergy with other antimicrobial agents and a very favorable resistance profile. Additionally, the hexapeptides and compositions containing them can be formulated into a number of carrier vehicles, such as sprays, aerosols, and water and oil-type emulsions, and therefore may provide favorable features for development as dermatological therapeutics.
Positive Animal Studies Reported
Helix BioMedix also reported in vivo efficacy from two recent animal studies evaluating its new class of small molecule antimicrobial hexapeptides in topical bacterial and fungal infection models. Results of a study evaluating HB1148 for the prevention of a S. aureus wound infection in rats demonstrated a significant reduction of bacteria in all animals after three treatments and complete elimination in 50% of animals. In the second study, which looked at the topical treatment of dermatophytosis in a guinea pig model infected with T. mentagrophtes, hexapeptides HB0666 and HB1032 exhibited significant efficacy both clinically (symptom driven) and mycologically (culture driven). Clinical efficacy was determined by lesion count and severity on a scale of one to five and expressed as a percentage of control. A poster of the results was presented at the Anti-Infectives Partnering and Deal Making Summit on January 26-27, 2006 in La Jolla, California.
In total, Helix BioMedix now has nine issued patents in the U.S., nine issued foreign patents and five patents pending. Helix currently has research applications in such consumer markets as acne, skin care, wrinkle reduction, deodorants, and oral care and pharmaceutical applications in anti-infectives and wound healing.
About Helix BioMedix
Helix BioMedix, Inc. is a late stage biopharmaceutical company that has a portfolio of issued patents that covers six distinct classes of peptides, including over 1 million unique peptide sequences. The company’s mission is to become the industry leader in developing and commercializing small proteins known as bioactive peptides. The antimicrobial and wound healing properties of these peptides qualify them for inclusion in a wide range of both pharmaceutical and consumer products. The company is currently focused on the development of selected peptides as topical anti-infectives and in wound healing. Non-pharmaceutical applications being pursued by Helix BioMedix include adjuvants for cosmetics/cosmeceuticals, personal care, plant health, animal health and wide-spectrum biocides. More information about the company and its proprietary peptides can be found on the company’s website at www.helixbiomedix.com.
Important Notice
This press release contains forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including activities, events or developments that the company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the company’s ability to successfully raise additional capital, enter into revenue generating license agreements, continue its research and development efforts, including pre-clinical and clinical studies, and general economic conditions. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in our reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filings are available on our website or at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Contact: Helix BioMedix, Inc. Investor Relations: David H. Kirske, 425-402-8400 Cameron Associates dkirske@helixbiomedix.com Alison Ziegler, 212-554-5469 alison@cameronassoc.com
Helix BioMedix, Inc.
CONTACT: David H. Kirske of Helix BioMedix, Inc., +1-425-402-8400, ordkirske@helixbiomedix.com; or Investor Relations, Alison Ziegler of CameronAssociates, +1-212-554-5469, or alison@cameronassoc.com, for HelixBioMedix, Inc.
Web site: http://www.helixbiomedix.com/
