Reports Positive Results of Animal Studies
BOTHELL, Wash., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Helix BioMedix, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: HXBM.OB), 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
http://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 http://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
SOURCE Helix BioMedix, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.helixbiomedix.com
CONTACT:
David H. Kirske of Helix BioMedix, Inc.,
+1-425-402-8400, or dkirske@helixbiomedix.com; or Investor
Relations, Alison Ziegler of Cameron Associates, +1-212-554-5469,
or alison@cameronassoc.com, for Helix BioMedix, Inc.
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