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| 3-V Biosciences' innovative strategy targets host pathways required for infection, providing major advantages over traditional pathogen-directed therapies. The company is initially focused on treating respiratory illnesses, and its strategy is readily applicable to other types of infections. 3-V Biosciences uses small interfering RNA (siRNA) to identify host targets required for successful viral replication. Small molecule inhibitors of these host targets are used to confirm antiviral activity while also assessing potential cell toxicity. Using this integrated approach, the company has discovered a number of targets and related host pathways required for viral infection. The lead program's small molecule inhibitor blocks infection by multiple pathogens without causing toxicity. Image courtesy of Dr. Ari Helenius Viral infection leads to dramatic response by the host cell. A single viral particle (orange arrow) infects a cell and activates multiple host pathways, as evidenced by the formation of cellular blebs (spherical deformations on the cell surface).  High content siRNA screen simultaneously assesses viral infection and cellular toxicity. Magnification of a single well from an Influenza siRNA screen shows host cells (green) infected with Influenza virus (red). 3-V Biosciences has developed a rigorous, clinically relevant validation process to optimize the efficacy and safety of its therapeutic agents. The company collaborates with world-class experts in respiratory biology to profile the antiviral activity of drug leads and candidates in relevant disease models. Additionally, 3-V Biosciences is developing specific markers of biological activity to inform efficient preclinical and clinical development. Unlike traditional pathogen-directed drugs, 3-V Biosciences’ therapeutics will reduce the likelihood of resistance resulting from viral mutation because viruses are unlikely to overcome their dependency on host targets. Thus, 3-V’s therapeutics will likely benefit patients over a longer time period. Antiviral therapies typically possess a narrow spectrum of activity, necessitating a “One Drug, One Bug” treatment approach, limited to a specific type of virus. In contrast, antibiotics are commonly prescribed empirically to treat a clinical syndrome, for which the etiologic agent is one of a number of potential pathogens. 3-V Biosciences’ broad spectrum antivirals provide the opportunity to transform the treatment of viral diseases to a “One Drug, Multiple Bugs” therapeutic paradigm.  3-V Antivirals: "One Drug, Multiple Bugs" |
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© 2009 3-V Biosciences, Inc. |
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