Demonstrates Robust Knockdown of HBV Surface Antigen
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nasdaq:TKMR) (TSX:TKM), a leading
developer of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, announced today the
presentation of preclinical results characterizing TKM-HBV, a
therapeutic agent targeting human hepatitis B virus (HBV), at the 10th
Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society. Tekmira's
Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Ian MacLachlan delivered a podium
presentation titled, "Update on the Preclinical Development of an LNP-Based HBV Therapeutic." The conference is taking place in San Diego, California, from October 12 – 15, 2014.
Among the results reported is the potent and rapid reduction in
hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) demonstrated by TKM-HBV in several
preclinical models including the chronically infected humanized
(chimeric) mouse.
"These results reflect the rigorous approach we have taken to the
design and characterization of our novel hepatitis B therapeutic," said
Dr. Mark J Murray, President and CEO, Tekmira Pharmaceuticals. "TKM-HBV
employs a unique combination of three RNAi triggers, in a third
generation LNP formulation, which results in broad and effective
knockdown of viral mRNAs and viral proteins including hepatitis B
surface antigen, our primary therapeutic target. This data supports the
utility of TKM-HBV as a new therapeutic option for treating patients
with chronic HBV infection. Our plan is to file an IND, or equivalent
document, by the end of this year, and initiate clinical trials in early
2015."
Read more... Labels: drugs in development, Tekmira, TKM-HBV