The research underpinning Noxopharm Ltd (ASX:NOX, OTC:NOXOF)’s Sofra™ technology platform has been showcased by the Hudson Institute of Medical Research’s Associate Professor Michael Gantier at the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) non-coding RNA medicine workshop.
The workshop, held in Poznan, Poland, brought together leading professionals the academic and commercial worlds to discuss progress in the field. Sessions ran the gamut from basic disease biology to therapeutic development.
A/Prof Gantier’s presentation covered the platform’s inflammation-blocking technology, focusing on ultra-short nucleic acid sequences known as oligonucleotides that target specific inflammatory receptors and block inflammation at its source.
Opportunities in growing markets
This technology can be readily adapted to treat a variety of conditions.
Noxopharm is working closely with the Hudson Institute to progress research and subsequent commercial opportunities in two main areas.
Firstly, a new proprietary mRNA vaccine enhancer based on Sofra technology called SOF-VAC™, which aims to make a broad range of mRNA vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, safer, by reducing inflammation.
COVID-19 threw the global spotlight on mRNA technology, its potential to target disease and its potential side effects, and the company thinks the market has legs.
Secondly, the partnership is targeting the development of novel drugs for autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and lupus.
Estimates of the number of individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases in the US alone range from 14 to 24 million cases – the global immunology market is projected to grow from US$92 billion in 2021 to US$158 billion in 2028.
Robust intellectual property
“Associate Professor Gantier is a leader in the field, and this research represents a solid base of intellectual property on which to build several commercial opportunities,” Noxopharm CEO Dr Gisela Mautner said.
“Unchecked inflammation from mRNA vaccines or disease affects a significant number of people worldwide, requiring new solutions and new technologies to be brought to market.”
Hudson Institute A/Prof Michael Gantier said: “I was honoured to have been selected to go to Poland and present our research to an expert audience from around the world.
“This invitation shows the increasing interest in our work, and the potential it may offer for a novel approach to a variety of inflammation-related challenges.”