LMV-601

LMV-601 is the first in a new class of drugs known as PC-PLC inhibitors*. Discovered at the prestigious German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, LMV-601 has antiviral properties resulting from the inhibition of early viral gene transcription. It will soon enter first clinical studies for the treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the cervix.

HPV can be prevented through vaccination, which unfortunately cannot help patients who have already been infected with the virus. The WHO estimates that HPV infection affects between 9% and 13% of the adult population. It is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the USA, where between 24 million and 40 million people are infected. Statistics also show that up to 25% of American women aged 14 to 59 have been infected with HPV.¹

LMV-601 has a novel mechanism of action that blocks the viral DNA replication and eventually induces the reversal of HPV-transformed cells into normal cells.^2,3 Unlike other anti-infectives, it is unlikely to induce drug resistance.

LMV-601 has the potential to become a blockbuster drug on the HPV-related therapeutic market.

* phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibitors

¹ Dunne E. et al., Prevalence of HPV infection among females in the United States. JAMA 2007:297(8):813-9
² Amtmann E, Mayer FK, Pink H, Baader W. Inhibition of high risk HPV-31 in human cervical epithelial cells in vitro by the PC-PLC inhibitor LMV-601. Int J Infect Dis 2010;14(Suppl 1):e465
³ Amtmann E, Mayer FK, Pink H, Baader W. Inhibition of human papillomavirus-31 in human keratinocytes by the phosphatidylcholine specific phospholipase C-inhibitor LMV-601. J Invest Dermatol 2010;130(Issue S1):25

LMV-602 (pentamycin)

LMV-602 (pentamycin) is an antibiotic which interacts with cell membrane structure, thus differing from commonly used azoles. It has proven anti-fungal and anti-trichomonas activity – the two major groups of pathogens known to cause vaginitis. This mode of action is also the promise for a low probability of inducing drug resistance, as was seen recently with trichomonas. After concluding the current formulation studies, the project will initiate Phase I trials by early 2011.

Up to 10% of adult women encounter some type of vaginitis episode each year, causing much distress and discomfort. The current treatment options available for vaginitis today display significant failure and/or recurrence rates, thus resulting in a strong medical demand for innovative treatment options.

More than 100 million prescriptions for vaginitis are made worldwide every year, accounting for USD 2.5 billion drug sales.