Sairiyo Therapeutics, a subsidiary of PharmaDrug, Announces Independent Screening Identifying Cepharanthine’s Potential Binding to Monkeypox (Mpox) Proteins.

Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 21, 2024) – PharmaDrug Inc. (CSE: PHRX) (OTC Pink: LMLLF) (referred to as “PharmaDrug” or the “Company”), a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of controlled substances and natural medicines, including psychedelics and previously approved drugs, is excited to announce the findings of an independent drug screening for monkeypox (“Mpox”). The screening identified cepharanthine as having the potential to bind to the virus’s proteins. The findings were documented in a letter to the editor titled “Highly accurate protein structure prediction and drug screen of monkeypox virus proteome,” which has been published in the Journal of Infection and can be accessed here.

Sairiyo Therapeutics Inc. (“Sairiyo”), a company jointly owned by PharmaDrug (51%) and PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (49%), is actively engaged in the clinical development of a reformulated oral cepharanthine (referred to as PD-001) for potential use in Medical Countermeasures and cancer treatment.

Research on Mpox proteins, crucial for understanding the virus’s function, is limited. Identification of drugs or molecules that interact with these proteins can aid in the treatment of Mpox virus infections. In a recent study by Yang et al. (2023), ten target proteins from the Mpox virus were identified for their involvement in essential functions and potential interactions with other molecules. Cepharanthine demonstrated significant binding affinities to all ten target proteins of Mpox in the screening analysis. Notably, cepharanthine exhibited strong binding affinities to four predicted Mpox proteins (I1L, VITF3L, A42R, and E8L). This potential interaction can further enhance the understanding of key viral entry and replication mechanisms, potentially leading to treatments such as cepharanthine for Mpox infection.

Robert Steen, CEO of PharmaDrug, stated, “The increasing need for antiviral medications worldwide has become evident in recent years. We believe that PD-001, with its patented enhanced cepharanthine bioavailability, holds promise as a versatile antiviral agent. We are eager to explore cepharanthine’s therapeutic potential for Mpox and other infectious diseases.”

Following the recent approval by the Australian Human Research Ethics Committee, Sairiyo is preparing to launch a Phase 1 clinical study to investigate the use of PD-001 as a potential treatment for Medical Countermeasures and cancer. PD-001 had previously received a $3.4 million contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for research related to the Ebola virus.

The Company would like to clarify that it is not making any definitive claims at this time regarding the ability of cepharanthine to treat, eradicate, or cure Monkeypox (Mpox) and other infectious diseases.

About PD-001 (Enteric-coated Oral Cepharanthine)

Cepharanthine, a natural product with over 70 years of usage in Japan for treating various acute and chronic conditions, exhibits multiple pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immuno-regulatory, and anti-viral effects. However, its historically low oral bioavailability has limited its clinical potential. In contrast, PD-001 has demonstrated significantly improved oral bioavailability in preclinical models, eliminating the need for frequent intravenous dosing. Sairiyo aims to develop an effective oral therapy to enhance outcomes in infectious disease and oncology settings.

PD-001 is protected by US Patent US10576077, with an expiration date of March 23, 2036.

About PharmaDrug Inc.

PharmaDrug Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of controlled substances and natural medicines, including psychedelics and previously approved drugs. The Company owns a majority stake in Sairiyo Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm focused on reformulating established natural medicines for clinical trials and regulatory approval. Sairiyo is actively developing a reformulated cepharanthine with validated potential for treating infectious diseases and rare cancers. Additionally, PharmaDrug wholly owns SecureDose Synthetics Inc., a research and development company focused on synthetic versions of existing drugs for potential distribution.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED NOR DOES IT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Forward-looking statements included in this release pertain to the potential therapeutic use of cepharanthine for Mpox and the business development of the Company. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could lead to different outcomes than those anticipated.

For a complete disclosure of risk factors associated with forward-looking information, please refer to the Company’s documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities law.

References:

1. Yang Q, Xia D, Syed AAS, Wang Z, Shi Y. Highly accurate protein structure prediction and drug screen of monkeypox virus proteome. J Infect. 2023 Jan;86(1):66-117. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.08.006. Epub 2022 Aug 11. PMID: 35964685; PMCID: PMC9367171.
2. https://www.swri.org/press-release/southwest-research-institute-texas-biomedical-research-institute-awarded-34-million.
3. Saito T, Hikita M, Kohno K, Tanimura H, Miyahara M, Kobayashi M. Enhanced expression of the multidrug resistance gene in vindesine-resistant human esophageal cancer cells. Oncology. 1994 Sep-Oct;51(5):440-5. doi: 10.1159/000227380. PMID: 8052486.
4. Zhou P, Zhang R, Wang Y, Xu D, Zhang L, Qin J, Su G, Feng Y, Chen H, You S, Rui W, Liu H, Chen S, Chen H, Wang Y. Cepharanthine hydrochloride reverses the mdr1 (P-glycoprotein)-mediated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell cisplatin resistance through JNK and p53 signals. Oncotarget. 2017 Nov 27;8(67):111144-111160. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.22676. Erratum in: Oncotarget. 2021 Jan 05;12(1):61-62. PMID: 29340044; PMCID: PMC5762312.

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