Zentek Announces Promising Preclinical Safety and Toxicity Results achieved by Triera Biosciences Ltd. for C19HBA
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The recent findings from Zentek Ltd. regarding their C19HBA SARS-CoV-2 aptamer could signify a notable advancement in the treatment of viral infections. Aptamers, which are synthetic molecules that can bind to specific target molecules, have been gaining attention in the biotechnology industry due to their potential as therapeutic agents. The fact that C19HBA has not only demonstrated efficacy but also a promising safety and toxicity profile in preclinical testing is significant. It indicates that the aptamer could potentially move into clinical trials, which is a pivotal step in drug development.
From an investment perspective, these developments could influence the company's stock valuation. Investors often look for companies with a robust pipeline of products that address significant market needs. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing threat of viral diseases, the successful development of a new class of therapeutics like C19HBA could position Zentek favorably in the market. However, it's important to consider that the biotech industry is highly volatile and that the success of preclinical trials does not guarantee success in clinical trials or market acceptance.
Examining the broader market implications of Zentek's announcement, one must consider the competitive landscape of COVID-19 treatments. Monoclonal antibodies have been a standard of care; hence, any new therapeutic that matches or exceeds their efficacy could disrupt the market. Furthermore, the versatility of Zentek's aptamer platform to potentially expand into other infectious diseases and oncology suggests a scalable technology with diverse applications. This could attract partnerships, licensing deals, or even acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies seeking to enhance their infectious disease or oncology portfolios.
The long-term potential of Zentek's technology also resides in its adaptability to new variants and pathogens, an essential attribute given the rapid mutation rate of viruses. If Zentek's aptamers can be quickly modified to target new variants, the company could secure a recurring revenue stream. However, the market for COVID-19 treatments is becoming increasingly crowded and the demand may shift as the pandemic evolves into an endemic phase. Thus, Zentek's ability to pivot and address other therapeutic areas could be important for sustained growth.
While the preclinical success of Zentek's C19HBA aptamer is promising, it is essential for investors to consider the inherent risks associated with investing in biotechnology firms at this stage of development. The transition from preclinical to clinical trials introduces a new set of challenges, including regulatory hurdles, the need for substantial capital and the risk of not achieving the desired efficacy and safety in humans. Additionally, the market's response to new treatments can be unpredictable, especially in a post-pandemic environment where vaccine rollouts have reduced the urgency for therapeutic alternatives.
Investors should also be aware of the company's financial health and runway, as biotech firms often require several rounds of funding to reach commercialization. The timing of the market entry is another critical factor, as delays in the development process can result in missed market opportunities or the emergence of superior competing therapies. Overall, while the scientific progress is encouraging, the financial implications are nuanced and require a thorough risk assessment.
GUELPH, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 25, 2024 / Zentek Ltd. ("Zentek" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:ZTEK)(TSX-V:ZEN), announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd. ("Triera") has completed testing demonstrating that its C19HBA SARS-CoV-2 universal aptamer built on the proprietary high-binding affinity aptamer platform has shown a promising safety and toxicity profile in preclinical testing. This is a critical step in the path towards the development of a human therapeutic.
Previously, the Company reported successful efficacy when C19HBA was tested as a prophylaxis and as a therapeutic. In repeated trials against SARS-CoV-2 variants, C19HBA has matched or exceeded the clinical protection compared to a leading monoclonal antibody (LMA).
In a trial completed in February 2024 by the Miller lab at McMaster University, the safety and toxicity of C19HBA was assessed through a study that administered 258 µM of C19HBA intranasally to one cohort of mice with a similar-sized cohort receiving sham treatment. After two hours, half the mice from each cohort were sacrificed while the remaining mice were infected with a lethal challenge of the ancestral variant of SARS-CoV-2. After 24 hours all infected mice were sacrificed, and serum and BAL fluid samples were collected. These samples were analyzed for inflammatory cell infiltration and full cytokine panel.
The inflammatory cell infiltration study demonstrated that mice treated with C19HBA had similar levels of macrophages, neutrophils, and monocytes as the naïve mice both at the two-hour mark after C19HBA administration and 24 hours after infection.
The cytokine panel analyzed 44 different biomarkers from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage ("BAL")
BAL fluid of sacrificed mice. The major cytokine markers, VEGF-A and TNFα were consistent between naïve mice and those treated with C19HBA.
In reviewing both reports, Dr. Miller concluded that, "C19HBA appears to be safe and well-tolerated in mice both before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, the therapeutic did not exacerbate the induction of any unexpected inflammatory cytokines or chemokines in the airways of treated mice, nor did they elicit any pathological recruitment of inflammatory innate immune cells."
"As we presented our results of C19HBA a main concern raised was whether the therapeutic/prophylactic was safe to use. Although further work is required, this data supports that our aptamer platform is safe and works in a manner that we expected. These results give us confidence as we continue to expand our pipeline into other infectious diseases like influenza and into the oncology space." said Greg Fenton, CEO of the Company and Triera. "When we find aptamers with therapeutic potential, we have a greater certainty from this study that the aptamers will be safe for human use."
About Triera Biosciences Ltd.
Triera holds an exclusive, worldwide royalty bearing license from McMaster University to use and practice all aptamer and DNAyme uses developed by McMaster University for the next 20 years. Triera and McMaster's combined expertise and capabilities in aptamer technology offer significant potential to reduce the cost and time required for the development of new treatments.
About Zentek Ltd.
Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener.
Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD™, is shown to have 99-per-cent anti-microbial activity and to significantly increase the bacterial and viral filtration efficiency of both surgical masks and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Zentek's ZenGUARD™ production facility is located in Guelph, Ontario.
Zentek, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd., has a global exclusive license to the aptamer-based platform technology developed by McMaster University, which is being jointly developed by Zentek and McMaster for both the diagnostic and therapeutic markets.
The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its aptamer technology has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus) at this time.
For further information contact:
Dr. Colin Van der Kuur, Chief Science Officer
Email: cvanderkuur@triera.ca
To find out more about Zentek, please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on Zentek's SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE: Zentek Ltd.
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