Vivreon Biosciences – NIAID SBIR # PA-16-302
Project Summary
Vivreon Biosciences is pleased to apply for NIAID SBIR Solicitation #PA-16-302. Vivreon
Biosciences is an innovative life sciences company that is developing a novel small
molecule, Ca2+ channel inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Our lead
compound, VV2003, achieves immunosuppression by an entirely new mechanism –
colon-restricted inhibition of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels to block colitis.
Vivreon seeks NIAID funding to bridge the gap between discovery and development. We
will perform formulation chemistry and in vivo colitis efficacy studies. Upon successful
completion of the program, our preclinical candidate will be the first to specifically target
the CRAC pathway for immunosuppression in UC, thus comprising an entirely new tool in
the battle against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Vivreon has discovered a lead compound VV2003, which inhibits inflammation by blocking
CRAC channel activity with nM potency; suppressing M1-like NF-¿B activity, while
preserving M2-like phagocytosis. Importantly, VV2003 has extremely low epithelial
permeability, a key feature of many topical oral IBD therapeutics that remain in the gut
lumen. This permits VV2003 to achieve colon-restricted immunosuppression, avoiding
unwanted systemic side effects. We have developed several strategies for a novel oral
colon-targeted delivery, and these routes will be pursued to identify a formulation suitable
for future Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. The candidate will be
confirmed using an animal model suitable for UC (adoptive transfer colitis, Dr. Cahalan,
University of California, Irvine). The final aim for this proposal is characterization and
testing of the first CRAC channel inhibitor for UC therapy.
