Photosoft Shows Activity Against Zika Virus
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
PHOTOSOFTTM SHOWS ACTIVITY AGAINST ZIKA VIRUS IN PRELIMINARY ASSAYS
Highlights:
PhotosoftTM compounds demonstrated ≥99% inhibition against Zika virus in cell-based
assays following the application of light
Zika virus is found in 86 countries and has been linked to birth defects and other
neurological complications
The Zika virus market is estimated to be worth ~US$17 billion in 20221 with no
treatments for the disease currently available2
Several PhotosoftTM compounds had over 100 times the activity of Monensin (selected
control) in vitro
MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA) 8 September 2022: Invion Limited (ASX: IVX) (“Invion” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce the positive screening results from in vitro studies of
PhotosoftTM on the inhibition of the Zika virus.
The results from the in vitro studies, which were undertaken by leading contract research and
clinical laboratory service company Viroclinics-DDL and Virology Research Services Ltd,
showed selected PhotosoftTM compounds to be effective against the virus and more
efficacious than Monensin. Monensin is an antibiotic which is known to have activity against
Zika in in vitro laboratory tests and was used as a control (benchmark) in this study, but due to
its in vivo toxicity cannot be used in humans.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which also transmits yellow
fever and dengue. Symptoms associated with Zika include headache, skin rash and joint pain.
Further, Zika has been linked to birth defects and other neurological complications.
The Zika virus market is estimated to be worth US$16.98 billion ($25 billion) in 2022 and is forecast
to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% to 20271. Zika cases have been reported in 86 countries, particularly
in Asia and Africa, and there is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated
diseases2.
Invion holds the exclusive rights to the PhotosoftTM technology in Asia Pacific3 for the treatment
of infectious diseases and atherosclerosis through its agreement with the technology licensor,
RMW Cho Group Limited.
Results Summary
Selected PhotosoftTM compounds demonstrated potent (over 99% inhibition) antiviral activity
against Zika when exposed to specific light wavelengths. In addition to the potent activity of
several PhotosoftTM compounds, low levels of cytotoxicity were observed. When assessed in
combination, a resulting therapeutic index4 is calculated, which is a quantitative
measurement of the potential efficacy relative to safety of the compound. Selected
1 https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/zika-virus-vaccines-market
https://www.who.int/health-topics/zika-virus-disease#tab=tab_1
Asia Pacific includes Asia and Oceania (other than Australia and New Zealand, which are the subject of an existing distribution and licence
agreement with RMW), and excludes Middle East, Russia and the specified territories of China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
4
A Therapeutic Index is frequently determined in viral assays as the dose of a drug that kills 50% of the host cells (CC50) divided by the
minimum effective dose to cause 50% inhibition of the virus (E50).
2
3
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
100 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
PhotosoftTM compounds were found to have a therapeutic index over 190 times higher than
the control, Monensin.
Percentage (%) inhibition
Example of a PhotosoftTM compound vs Monensin
100
-0.1
80
60
40
20
0
0.1
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.1
1.3
1.5
Concentraton (uM)
% Inhibition - Photosoft compound
% Cytotoxicity - Photosoft compound
% Inhibition - Monensin
% Cytotoxicity - Monensin
“This is the first set of studies we have undertaken using PhotosoftTM compounds on infectious
diseases and we are very excited by not only the positive results, but by the potential for the
technology in an era where the next global pandemic could be lurking around the corner,”
said Thian Chew, Invion’s Chairman and CEO.
“With the continued emergence of new viral diseases in recent years, it is important that
companies like Invion continue to focus on developing new innovative treatments. We are
also exploring other viral indications to determine the potential for other viruses of interest.”
A recent report by CSIRO titled “Strengthening Australia’s Pandemic Preparedness” identified
the development of novel antivirals as a key science and technology area for strengthening
Australia’s pandemic preparedness5.
Details on In Vitro Assay
In vitro susceptibility of viruses to an antiviral agent was assessed using a quantitative assay to
measure virus replication in the presence of increasing concentrations of the product
(PhotosoftTM compounds) and a control compound (Monensin) compared to replication in
the absence of the product.
The primary screening assay utilised in this compound screening program was an
immunofluorescence-based assay against Zika Strain MP1751 (African lineage) obtained from
the contracted organisation, using the Vero E6 cell line. Compounds were serially diluted (8
concentrations) in a 96-well plate and added to the cells.
Zika was then added, exposed to a specific light wavelength (660nm), and plates incubated
for 48 hours . Additionally, compounds were assessed for cellular toxicity in Vero E6 cells.
At the conclusion of incubation, infected cells were identified and counted via microscopy;
lower percentages of stained cells compared to an untreated control represented cell
protection from virus infection. Half maximal effective concentration (EC50) and half maximal
cytotoxic concentration (CC50) were calculated by linear regression.
5
https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-futures/health/strengthening-australiaspandemic-preparedness
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
100 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
This announcement was approved for release by Thian Chew, Chairman of the Board.
____________________________________________
Investor and Media enquiries:
Thian Chew (Chairman & CEO)
T: +61 3 9692 7222
E: investor@inviongroup.com
Brendon Lau (Investor & Media Relations)
M: +61 409 341 613
E: brendon.lau@inviongroup.com
About Invion
Invion is a life-science company that is leading the global research and development of the
PhotosoftTM technology for the treatment of a range of cancers, atherosclerosis and infectious
diseases. Invion holds the exclusive Australia and New Zealand license rights and exclusive
distribution rights to Asia Pacific excluding China (other than Hong Kong, which is included in
the Territory), Macau, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea to the PhotosoftTM technology for all
cancer indications. It also holds the exclusive rights to the technology in Asia Pacific (excluding
Greater China) for atherosclerosis and infectious diseases. Research and clinical cancer trials
are funded by the technology licensor, RMW Cho Group Limited, via an R&D services
agreement with the Company. Invion is listed on the ASX (ASX: IVX).
About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Invion is developing PhotosoftTM technology as a novel next generation Photodynamic
Therapy (PDT). PDT uses non-toxic photosensitisers and light to selectively kill cancer cells and
promote an anti-cancer immune response. Less invasive than surgery and with minimal side
effects, PDT offers an alternative treatment option aimed at achieving complete tumour
regression and long-lasting remission.
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
100 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
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