Ozonides forms of artemisinins inhibit cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in vitro and in vivo

INVENTION NOVELTY: This technology involves the use of a derivative of artemisinin as a new therapy for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

• VALUE PROPOSITION: CMV infection is recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. CMV is also the most common viral infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Several anti-viral drugs such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir are used for treating CMV infection, but lack efficacy . The malaria drug, artemisinin and its derivatives show anti-viral activity, suggesting that it could be derivitized to become a viable therapeutic. Inventors have shown that a derivative form of artemisinin can reduce viral load in children . This derivative was found to be effective against Schistosoma japonicum , S. mansoni and S. haematobium. Other features include:Increased bioavailability due longer half-life
• Enhanced efficacy

TECHNICAL DETAILS: Johns Hopkins researcher have discovered that a derivitive form of artemisinin is more effective anti-CMV compound, compared to artemisinin. Among the six compounds screened, one entitity had the best selectivity and also showed the best toxicity profile in human fibroblast. This derivative was shown to be effective in a mouse CMV model.

ASSOCIATED INVENTORS: Ravit Boger, Jonathan Vennerstrom

PATENT STATUS: Pending US application US2020/0138775

PUBLICATIONS: Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 Oct 29. pii: AAC.01735-18.