NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC) has announced that its broad-spectrum antiviral drug NV-387 may offer a novel approach to preventing metastatic cancer resurgence by targeting the inflammatory pathways that viral infections use to reactivate dormant cancer cells. The drug has successfully completed Phase I clinical trials and is advancing into Phase II development.
Viral Infections Linked to Cancer Metastasis
Recent research has established a concerning connection between viral infections and cancer recurrence. A study examining COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection) and breast cancer, as well as influenza virus infections and cancer, found that increased inflammation—particularly elevated levels of the cytokine IL-6—caused by viral infections is linked to an increased risk of metastatic cancer resurgence. This occurs through the reactivation of "sleeping" cancer cells that had previously been dormant.
"NV-387 is a remarkable antiviral drug, in that it not only attacks the virus, but also reduces inflammation, calming the human immune system so that untoward effects do not take place," said Anil R. Diwan, Ph.D., President and Chairman of NanoViricides. "We have found that NV-387 treatment reduces inflammation markers, particularly, IL-6, thereby protecting lungs. This reduction in inflammation and cyto-protective effect of NV-387 would also help minimize the risk of reawakening cancer, based on these reported studies."
Dual Mechanism of Action
NV-387's potential impact extends beyond traditional antiviral therapy. The drug's ability to simultaneously combat viral infections while reducing inflammatory responses could provide significant benefits for cancer patients in remission who contract viral infections. This dual mechanism addresses both the immediate viral threat and the secondary risk of cancer cell reactivation.
The clinical significance is particularly relevant given the endemic nature of respiratory viruses. COVID-19 continues to cause approximately 4,000 hospitalizations per week in the United States as of late July, with two waves occurring annually. Other endemic viruses including influenza, RSV, and measles pose ongoing threats to vulnerable populations, including cancer patients.
Superior Performance in Preclinical Studies
Animal model studies have demonstrated NV-387's effectiveness against multiple lethal lung viral infections, including those caused by COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and measles viruses. Notably, the drug showed superior performance compared to currently approved antiviral medications.
In influenza A/H3N2 studies, NV-387-treated animals showed strong lung protection, while approved drugs Tamiflu (oseltamivir), Rapivab (peramivir), and Xofluza (baloxavir) failed to protect animal lungs to any appreciable extent. Similarly, in RSV infection studies, NV-387 provided excellent lung protection that was not observed in ribavirin-treated animals.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The drug's anti-inflammatory effects represent a key differentiator from existing antiviral therapies. NV-387 treatment consistently reduced IL-6 levels in animal models with lethal viral infections causing lung diseases. This reduction in inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, occurred to an appreciable extent across multiple viral infection models.
Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Platform
NV-387 is positioned as the only antiviral drug uniquely effective against lethal lung viral infections caused by multiple virus types in animal studies predictive of human clinical effectiveness. The drug is based on host-mimetic nanomedicine technology designed to prevent viral escape, addressing a critical limitation of antibodies and vaccines that readily fail against new viral variants.
The company's nanoviricide technology platform extends beyond NV-387, with development programs targeting numerous viral diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, herpes viruses, dengue fever, and Ebola virus, among others.
Clinical Development Timeline
NanoViricides is currently focused on advancing NV-387 into Phase II human clinical trials for the treatment of RSV, COVID-19, Long COVID, influenza, and other respiratory viral infections, as well as MPOX/Smallpox infections. The company also has NV-HHV-1 in development for shingles treatment.
While the company cannot project exact IND filing dates due to dependence on external collaborators and consultants, the successful completion of Phase I trials represents a significant milestone in the drug's development pathway.
