Arizona Tribune - Sunshine Biopharma and University of Arizona Develop a Potent New Series of Protease Inhibitors for Treatment of SARS Coronavirus Infections

Coronavirus remains a formidable global health threat, not only due to its ability to cause severe illness (particularly in older adults and those with underlying conditions) but also because of its potential to evolve into new variants that may spark future pandemics. The virus's high mutation rate and global reach make it a persistent concern, as even minor genetic shifts can affect transmissibility, resistance to existing treatments, and vaccine efficacy. As such, ongoing investment in antiviral research, rapid-response vaccine platforms, and novel therapeutic approaches is vital to outpace emerging strains and reduce the potentially devastating impact of future outbreaks. Developing smarter, more adaptable treatments is essential for safeguarding global health for tomorrow.

SARS-CoV-2 is the etiologic agent of COVID-19 and one of three types of Coronavirus that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The other two are SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. For persons exposed to SARS-CoV-2, blocking early infection at home may prevent rapid disease progression and reduce hospitalization. PLpro is an alternative therapeutic target for developing antiviral compounds against proteolytic processing activity of SARS-CoV-2. PLpro is a virus encoded protease essential for viral replication and is responsible for suppression of the human immune system following infection, leading to a more severe disease outcome.

Previously we had reported that the Company's lead compound had favorable pharmacokinetics properties, including oral availability, in mice, rats and dogs. It was found to be efficacious in a K18-human-ACE2 transgenic mouse model to block SARS-Cov-2 infection in a dose-dependent manner. In August 2024, Sunshine Biopharma published initial research results on its PLpro inhibitors library in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (J. Med. Chem. 2024, 67, 13681−13702).

Currently, we report that we have successfully designed and synthesized a second novel chemical series of PLpro inhibitors, which are potent against the PLpro enzyme and exhibited dose-dependent efficacy in cellular models of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These new molecules are orally active in mice and have displayed favorable pharmacokinetics profiles. Work is currently in progress to analyze their dose-dependent efficacy in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.

"There are still unmet medical needs for agents to combat SARS Coronavirus infections," said Dr. Steve Slilaty, CEO of Sunshine Biopharma. "The development of this new series of highly effective PLpro inhibitors marks a major advancement in antiviral therapeutics. In collaboration with Dr. Gregory Thatcher and Dr. Rui Xiong at the University of Arizona, our dedicated research team has worked relentlessly to identify new compounds that effectively target the viral PLpro enzyme, a key factor in replication and immune system evasion. The promising results demonstrate the potential to significantly curb infection progression and lead to transformative treatments for patients. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the University of Arizona team and ours, as we continue to drive innovation in global healthcare."

About Sunshine Biopharma Inc.

Sunshine Biopharma currently has 74 generic prescription drugs on the market in Canada and 12 additional drugs scheduled to be launched in 2026. In addition, Sunshine Biopharma is conducting a proprietary drug development program which is comprised of (i) K1.1 mRNA, an mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle targeted for liver cancer, and (ii) SBFM-PL4, a small molecule inhibitor of PLpro protease for treatment of SARS Coronavirus infections. For more information, please visit: www.sunshinebiopharma.com.

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of Sunshine Biopharma Inc. (the "Company") that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These statements appear in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, including statements related to the Company's drug development activities, financial performance, and future growth. These risks and uncertainties are further described in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements and risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent SEC filings.

For more information, please contact:

Camille Sebaaly, CFO
Direct Line: 514-814-0464
[email protected]

SOURCE: Sunshine Biopharma Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

A.Williams--AT