Phynova reports positive preclinical test results on PYN18

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., April 21 - Phynova Group plc announced Friday that its drug candidate PYN18, targeting the hepatitis C virus (HCV), has shown positive outcomes in preclinical third-party testing using the replicon assay system.

These results are confirmation of preclinical studies previously carried out by Phynova, the company said in a news release.

Study results included the following:

• PYN18 reduced the levels of HCV in the industry standard replicon assay;

• PYN18 also showed positive results against the viral RNA polymerase, one of the two viral enzymes essential for HVC replication;

• No cell toxicity was observed in the tests;

• PYN18 demonstrated potential as a stand alone treatment for HCV or as an adjunct therapy with interferon/ribavirin.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of the third-party testing on PYN18. The hepatitis C virus represents a worldwide problem. PYN18 has demonstrated its potential in all initial testing and as a result we intend to take PYN18 into clinical development as rapidly as possible and look forward to updating on its progress and that of our other drug candidates," chief executive officer Robert Miller said in the release.

PYN18 is a purified fraction of a single-plant component that is a potential treatment for reducing the level of the HCV, which has infected more than 200 million people worldwide, through transfusions, blood products and intravenous drug needle-sharing.

Based in Oxford, England, Phynova develops drugs derived from Chinese medicines targeting viral and metabolic diseases and cancer.

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