New collaboration furthers research of CMX157 for HBV

ContraVir Pharmaceuticals announced a new collaboration with the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, in which the institute will develop their drug CMX157 for the potential treatment of hepatitis B virus infection, according to a press release.

CMX157 is a novel lipid acyclic nucleoside phosphonate that “delivers high intracellular concentrations of the active antiviral agent of tenofovir. [Viread; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Gilead Sciences]. CMX157’s novel structure results in decreased circulating levels of tenofovir, lowering systemic exposure and thereby reducing the potential for renal side effects,” according to the ContraVir website.

Under the agreement, ContraVir will contract with the Blumberg Institute to work on certain projects related to CMX157, according to the release. The research will focus on comparing the relative anti-hepatitis B activities of CMX157 and tenofovir and to indicate whether or not CMX157 has unique anti-hepatitis B attributes not previously shown by tenofovir or other antiviral agents.

“We are delighted that the Blumberg Institute can be helpful to ContraVir in its pursuit of new HBV therapeutics,” Lou Kassa, chief operating officer at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, said in the release. “We are hopeful that the experiments we will perform pursuant to this engagement may ultimately lead to improved quality of life for those affected by chronic hepatitis B worldwide by helping to guide the development of this exciting therapeutic candidate.”

“The Blumberg Institute's commitment to advancing new therapies for hepatitis B make them an ideal research and development vehicle for ContraVir,” James Sapirstein, chief executive officer of ContraVir, said in the release. “Not only do they have the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to carry out our specific experiments, but they nurture an ecosystem of innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to which ContraVir is proud to contribute. This association will help advance our CMX157 candidate and may further de-risk the development process going forward, as we prepare to enter phase 2 clinical studies.”

In February, Chimerix Inc., a licensing partner of ContraVir, received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an extended patent life on its “Nucleoside Phosphonate Salts” patent, which included CMX157. The extended patent covers the composition of matter for CMX157 and will extend ContraVir’s intellectual property protection of the analog through at least 2031. – by Melinda Stevens

Disclosure: Kassa reports he is employed by Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. Sapirstein reports he is employed by ContraVir.