Biotron compounds demonstrate antiviral activity against hep B

Australian biotechnology company Biotron has announced that several of its compounds have demonstrated significant antiviral activity against hepatitis B (HBV) in recently completed preclinical studies. The studies were completed in the USA in cell culture models that are considered ‘industry standard’ and are well recognised by potential pharma and biotech partners.

The World Health Organization estimates that 257 million people are infected with HBV and that up to 900,000 die every year from the disease, for which there is no cure. Pharmaceutical companies such as Gilead, Janssen and Merck currently have active programs developing drugs to treat HBV, as do US biotech companies such as Alnylam, Arrowhead and Arbutus.

“Although Biotron’s work on its HBV compounds is preclinical, the interest level in the development of HBV treatments is at an all-time high,” said Biotron Managing Director Dr Michelle Miller. “We are seeing evidence of this in the number of early-stage deals and collaborations being currently being undertaken in the sector. We believe this may provide Biotron with an early-stage development opportunity with an appropriate partner.”

The news comes two weeks after Biotron revealed it has received an R&D Tax Incentive refund of $1.6 million for the 2016–17 financial year. The refund results from expenditure on the company’s antiviral drug development programs.

“Whilst Biotron is fully funded for its current activities, which include the current Phase 2 HIV-1 trial (BIT225-009), this R&D cash rebate will strengthen the company’s cash position and support commercialisation activities,” Dr Miller said.