Value Proposition
· Peptide-based supramolecular filament that attenuates SARS-CoV virus infectivity in vivo
· Leverages ACE2 enzyme-substrate docking activity
· Enables therapeutic protein delivery in repairable aerosols
Unmet Need
· Respiratory illnesses, including tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19, pose a significant worldwide health challenge. COVID-19, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to 800 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths globally, according to the WHO. While COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency, infections persist, and the virus continues to mutate, leading to the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2. Currently, there are no specific preventative treatments or cures for COVID-19. This situation underscores the urgent need for the development of new therapeutic agents and vaccines to control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future epidemics.
Technology Description
· The first step for viral entry, replication, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is viral binding to cognate receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which makes ACE2 a desirable target for blocking viral entry. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a peptide-based supramolecular filament, called fACE2, which silences ACE2’s enzymatic activity and immobilizes ACE2 to the filament surface, which can be effectively delivered through an inhalable aerosol with improved structural stability and functional preservation. This turns the filament-bound ACE2 into a decoy receptor that captures SARS-CoVs and weakens viral infectivity.
Stage of Development
· In vitro and in vivo tests have been conducted on the peptide’s ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load and subsequent prevention of lung damage. The researchers are now seeking to investigate the therapeutic potential of their fACE2 system for treating COVID-19.
Data Availability
· Data available at publication below.
Publication
· https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2022.11.027
