U.S. patent application number 17/248465 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-03 for kits for preventing and treating ebola.
The applicant listed for this patent is ADAERATA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH, HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH. Invention is credited to Michel CHRETIEN, Majambu MBIKAY, Xiangguo QIU.
Application Number | 20210161933 17/248465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005391362 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210161933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRETIEN; Michel ; et
al. |
June 3, 2021 |
KITS FOR PREVENTING AND TREATING EBOLA
Abstract
A kit for reducing the risk of filovirus hemorrhagic fever or a
symptom thereof in a mammal host exposed to a filovirus (e.g.,
Ebola or Zika virus), comprising an effective amount of
quercetin-3.beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G) or an analogue thereof, or a
composition comprising Q3G or analogue thereof and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Inventors: |
CHRETIEN; Michel; (MONTREAL,
CA) ; MBIKAY; Majambu; (L'ILE-PERROT, CA) ;
QIU; Xiangguo; (WINNIPEG, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ADAERATA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE
MINISTER OF HEALTH |
MONTREAL
WINNIPEG |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005391362 |
Appl. No.: |
17/248465 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16002078 |
Jun 7, 2018 |
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17248465 |
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62517562 |
Jun 9, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 31/14 20180101;
A61K 9/0053 20130101; A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 31/7048 20130101;
A61K 9/0019 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/7048 20060101
A61K031/7048; A61P 31/14 20060101 A61P031/14; A61K 45/06 20060101
A61K045/06; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00 |
Claims
1. A kit for use in the prevention or treatment of a filovirus
hemorrhagic disease or a flavivirus disease comprising (i)
quercetin-3 .beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G) or an analogue thereof, or a
composition comprising Q3G or the analogue thereof and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and (ii) (a) another antiviral
agent; (iii) instructions to use (i) in the prevention or treatment
of a filovirus hemorrhagic disease or a flavivirus disease; or (c)
a combination of (a) and (b).
2. The kit of claim 1, comprising between 11 and 25 daily doses of
30 mg to 2 g, or 30 mg to 1 mg, or 30 mg to 800 mg of Q3G or the
analogue thereof.
3. The kit of claim 1, wherein (i) is Q3G.
4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the filovirus hemorrhagic fever or
symptom thereof is Ebola virus disease (EVD) or a symptom thereof
and the filovirus is an ebolavirus.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the host is infected by the Zaire
ebolavirus (EBOV).
6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the host is infected by the Sudan
ebolavirus (SUDV).
7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the host is infected by the Reston
ebolavirus (RESTV).
8. The kit of claim 1, wherein Q3G or the analogue thereof, or the
composition is for administration by an oral route.
9. The kit of claim 1, wherein Q3G or the analogue thereof, or the
composition is for administration by a parenteral route.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/002,078, now allowed, filed on Jun. 7,
2018, which claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), of U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 62/517,562, filed on Jun. 9, 2018.
All documents above are incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N.A.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to kits for preventing or
treating filovirus and flavivirus diseases. More specifically, the
present invention is concerned with kits for preventing or treating
filovirus hemorrhagic fevers (e.g., Ebola virus disease and Marburg
virus disease) and flavivirus diseases (e.g., Zika virus disease)
with a flavonoid.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0004] Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.821(c), a sequence listing is
submitted herewith as an ASCII compliant text file named
2489-Sequence_Listing-12810-705_ST25, that was created on Nov. 2,
2020 and having a size of 2 kilobytes. The content of the
aforementioned file named 2489-Sequence_Listing-12810-705_ST25 is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Filoviruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans
and non-human primates. Marburgvirus and Ebolavirus are two members
of this family that have been identified as causing such fevers.
Two large epidemic of Marburg hemorrhagic fevers have been reported
in human in 1999 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in
Angola in 2005.
[0006] Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks occur on more a frequent
basis, e.g., in 1995 and 2012 in the DRC, in 2000 and 2008 in
Uganda, and the 2014-15 outbreak in West Africa, being the largest
ever recorded. It has resulted in over 11,000 deaths in four
African countries and highlighting the urgent need for novel
therapies to combat this disease. The virus is transmitted to
people from wild animals and spreads in the human population
through human-to-human transmission. The average EVD case fatality
rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90%
in past outbreaks.
[0007] There are currently no approved therapies against EBV,
although several treatments show promise (reviewed in Wong,
2015).
[0008] Small-molecule drugs are of particular interest, due to
their comparatively low production costs, potentially non-invasive
administration routes, and possibility for cross-protection. To
date, numerous small molecules that inhibit Ebola virus in vitro
and in vivo have been identified (Warren, 2014; Furuta, 2013;
Picazo, 2015).
[0009] A few of these compounds have shown protection in animal
models of EBOV, which is a critical step for screening potential
drug candidates for future human clinical trials (Furuta, 2013;
Madelain, 2015; Julander, 2014). Estrogen receptor modulators,
clomiphene and toremifene, for example, have been shown to protect
90% and 50% of mice when given 24 h post infection (Johansen,
2013). Similarly, tetrandrine has been found to inhibit Ebola by
interacting with NPC1, and protected 80% of mice when given 24 h
post infection (Sakurai, 2015). A fourth compound, FGI-106, has
demonstrated 100% protection in mice against numerous viruses
including Ebola when given 24 h post infection. Additionally,
protection at later timepoints has been achieved by GS-5734,
nucleoside analogue, (100% protection in mice when given on day 3
post infection) (Warren, 2014), and T-705, a broad-spectrum
antiviral (100% protection in IFNAR-/- mice when given at 6 days
post infection) (Oestereich, 2014).
[0010] Although certain candidates are undergoing clinical trials
and have had success in promoting recovery from Ebola, to the
Applicant's knowledge, these prophylactics and therapeutics have
each only been designed and tested against a single species of
Ebola, namely one which caused an outbreak. Future outbreaks
involving other species would require reformulation and possibly
redevelopment. Therefore, a broader spectrum anti-Ebola alternative
is highly desirable.
[0011] The first reported Zika virus disease (ZVD) outbreak in
human occurred in 2007 in the Federal States of Micronesia. The
2015-2016 outbreak of Zika virus disease (ZVD), first reported in
Brazil during early 2015 (Zanluca, 2015), has infected millions of
people. Zika viruses (ZIKV) infections are associated with fetal
microcephaly as well as neurological complications in humans
(Cao-Lormeau, 2016; Carteaux, 2016; Mlakar, 2016; Ventura, 2016),
the virus can be shed in the semen and vaginal secretions of humans
(Mansuy, 2016; Murray, 2017) leading to sexual transmission, and
unexpectedly ZIKV infections cause severe damage to the male
reproductive organs in male mice (Govero, 2016; Ma, 2016). Vaccines
and antivirals, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), are currently
in pre-clinical development and not yet approved for use in humans.
There are concerns that vaccines and mAb-based products against
ZIKV may inadvertently enhance the severity of Dengue virus (DENY)
infections (Kawiecki 2016; Richner, 2017), a potentially dangerous
undesired side-effect. The development of small molecule drugs is a
priority for the control and prevention of ZIKV spread.
[0012] The present description refers to a number of documents, the
content of which is herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention demonstrated antiviral efficacy of a
flavonoid derivative called quercetin-3 .beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G)
against Ebola and Zika viruses both in vitro and in vivo in small
animal models.
[0014] In particular, the present invention demonstrated that Q3G
not only inhibits the well-studied EBOV, but also a second common
ebolavirus isolated from Sudan (SUDV) and the non-human Reston
virus (RESTV).
[0015] The present invention shows that Q3G has the ability to
protect mice from Ebola when given as little as 30 minutes prior to
infection. Furthermore, the present invention shows that this
compound targets the early steps of viral entry.
[0016] The present invention also demonstrated that Q3G inhibits
ZIKV infection in vitro, with a half-maximal effective
concentration (EC.sub.50) of between 1.2 to 1.3 .mu.M and a ninety
percent effective concentration (EC.sub.90) of 1.5 .mu.M. Q3G
administration daily from 1-8 days post-infection to
immunocompromised mice (Ifnar1.sup.-/-) resulted in protection from
ZIKV infection.
[0017] More specifically, in accordance with the present invention,
there are provided the following items: [0018] 1. A method of
reducing the risk of filovirus hemorrhagic fever or a symptom
thereof in a mammal host exposed to a filovirus, comprising
administering an effective amount of quercetin-3
.beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G) or an analogue thereof, or a composition
comprising Q3G or analogue thereof and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier, to said host prior to said exposure. [0019] 2.
The method of item 1, wherein the filovirus hemorrhagic fever or
symptom thereof is Ebola virus disease (EVD) or a symptom thereof
and the filovirus is an ebolavirus. [0020] 3. The method of item 1,
wherein the host is infected by the Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV). [0021]
4. The method of item 1, wherein the host is infected by the Sudan
ebolavirus (SUDV). [0022] 5. The method of item 1, wherein the host
is infected by the Reston ebolavirus (RESTV). [0023] 6. The method
of item 1, wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the composition is
administered to the host every other day beginning 13 days or less
prior to said exposure and until 11 days after exposure. [0024] 7.
The method of item 1, wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the
composition is administered to the host every other day beginning 7
days or less prior to said exposure and until 11 days after
exposure. [0025] 8. The method of item 1, wherein the Q3G, the
analogue thereof or the composition is administered to the host
every other day beginning 3 days or less prior to said exposure and
until 11 days after exposure. [0026] 9. The method of item 1,
wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the composition is
administered to the host every other day beginning 1 days or less
prior to said exposure and until 11 days after exposure. [0027] 10.
The method of item 1, wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the
composition is administered to the host every other day beginning
30 minutes or less prior to said exposure and until 11 days after
exposure. [0028] 11. The method of item 1, wherein the effective
amount of Q3G or the analogue thereof is between about 0.8 mg/kg to
20 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, or 0.8 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg daily.
[0029] 12. A method of preventing or treating a Zika virus disease
(ZVD) or a symptom thereof in a mammal host exposed to a Zika
virus, comprising administering an effective amount of quercetin-3
.beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G) or an analogue thereof, or a composition
comprising Q3G or the analogue thereof and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier, to said host after said exposure. [0030] 13.
The method of item 12, wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the
composition is administered to the host every day for seven days
beginning 1 day after said exposure. [0031] 14. The method of item
1, wherein the host is a human host. [0032] 15. The method of item
1, wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the composition is
administered by an oral route. [0033] 16. The method of item 1,
wherein Q3G, the analogue thereof or the composition is
administered by a parenteral route. [0034] 17. The method of item
1, wherein Q3G is administered. [0035] 18. A kit for use in the
prevention or treatment of a filovirus hemorrhagic disease or a
flavivirus disease comprising (i) quercetin-3 .beta.-O-D-glucoside
(Q3G) or an analogue thereof, or a composition comprising Q3G or
the analogue thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and
(ii) (a) another antiviral agent; (iii) instructions to use (i) in
the prevention or treatment of a filovirus hemorrhagic disease or a
flavivirus disease; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). [0036] 19.
The kit of item 18, comprising between 11 and 25 daily doses of 30
mg to 2 g, or 30 mg to 1 mg, or 30 mg to 800 mg of Q3G or the
analogue thereof. [0037] 20. The kit of item 18, wherein (i) is
Q3G. [0038] 21. A composition comprising (i) quercetin-3
.beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G) or an analogue thereof; and (ii) (a)
another antiviral agent; (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;
or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). [0039] 22. The composition of
item 21, wherein (i) is Q3G.
[0040] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given
by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] In the appended drawings:
[0042] FIGS. 1A-F: Q3G inhibits replication of Ebola virus in
vitro. (FIG. 1A) Chemical structure of Q3G. (FIG. 1B) VeroE6 cells
were pre-treated with 10 .mu.M Q3G for one hour and then infected
with EBOV-Kikwit-GFP (MOI=0.1) at 37.degree. C. and incubated for
72 h in the presence of 10 NM Q3G. (FIG. 1C) The EC.sub.50 of Q3G
was determined against EBOV-Kikwit-GFP by pre-treating VeroE6 cells
with serial dilutions of Q3G for 1 hour and then infecting them
with virus (MOI=0.1) at 37.degree. C. hour for 72 h in the presence
of Q3G at which time the fluorescence was quantified. (FIG. 1D) To
determine cell viability following Q3G treatment VeroE6 cells were
treated with serial dilutions of Q3G. Viability was measured after
72 hours by a resazurin dye-based assay and data was normalized to
untreated controls. (FIG. 1E) Inhibition of EBOV-Makona and SUDV
viruses was determined by pre-treating cells with 10 .mu.M Q3G for
one hour and then infecting them with virus (MOI=0.1) at 37.degree.
C. for 1 hour. Cells were collected and the amount of viral RNA was
quantified at 5 days post-infection by RT-qPCR (Ct value=threshold
cycle value i.e. number of cycles needed to detect real signal in
sample). (FIG. 1F) Inhibition of EBOV-Makona and SUDV viruses was
determined by pre-treating cells with 10 .mu.M Q3G for one hour and
then infecting them with virus (MOI=0.1) at 37.degree. C. for 1
hour. Cells were collected and the amount of viral RNA was
quantified at 5 days post-infection using a 50% Tissue culture
Infective Dose (TCID.sub.50) assay. All experiments were performed
in triplicate and error bars represent the standard error of the
mean. ***=p-value<0.001.
[0043] FIGS. 2A-H: Prophylactic treatment with Q3G promotes
survival and inhibits Ebola virus replication. (FIG. 2A)
Experimental plan outlining treatment. Six-to-eight-week-old female
C57BL/6 mice (Charles River) were treated with 50 mg/kg of Q3G
(n=10) or 10% DMSO (n=10) via intraperitoneal injection every other
day from day -14 to day 12. Mice in both groups received a
challenge dose of 1000.times.LD.sub.50 of mouse-adapted Ebola virus
(Mayinga isolate) in 200 .mu.l of PBS (pH 7.4) by intraperitoneal
injection on day 0. (FIG. 2B) Survival and (FIG. 2C) changes in
weight of Q3G treated and untreated mice. (FIG. 2D) Experimental
plan outlining treatment. Six-to-eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice
were treated with 50 mg/kg of Q3G (n=10 per group) or 10% DMSO
(n=10) via intraperitoneal injection either every other day from
day -13 to day 11 (13 dbi); every other day from day -7 to day 11
(7 dbi); every other day from day -3 to day 10 (3 dbi); every other
day from -30 min to day 11 (30 min bi); or every other day from day
1 to day 11 (1 dbi). Mice in all six groups received a challenge
dose of 1000.times.LD.sub.50 of mouse-adapted Ebola virus (Mayinga
isolate) in 200 .mu.l of PBS (pH 7.4) by intraperitoneal injection
on day 0. (FIG. 2E) Survival and (FIG. 2F) changes in weight of Q3G
treated and untreated mice. (FIG. 2G) Experimental plan outlining
treatment. Six-to-eight-week-old female Balb/c mice were treated
with 50 mg/kg of Q3G (n=10) or 10% DMSO (n=10) via intraperitoneal
injection every other day beginning from day -1 until day 5. Mice
in both groups received a challenge dose of 1000.times.LD.sub.50 of
mouse-adapted Ebola virus (Mayinga isolate) in 200 .mu.l of PBS (pH
7.4) by intraperitoneal injection on day 0. (FIG. 2H) Virus in the
blood, liver, kidney, spleen, lung and brain was quantified by
qRT-PCR amplification of the Ebola L gene in Q3G treated and
untreated mice on Day 6. All experiments were performed in
triplicate and error bars represent the standard error of the mean.
***=p-value<0.001.
[0044] FIGS. 3A-H: Dosing and toxicity of Q3G. Naive C57BL/6 male
mice were dosed with 12.5-400 mg/ml Q3G or 10% DMSO
intraperitoneally. (FIG. 3A) Survival and (FIG. 3B) changes in body
weight were monitored for 14 days as an indication of toxicity.
Arrows point to lines or curves of interest; brackets bundle
indistinguishable lines or curves. (FIG. 3C) Experimental plan
outlining treatment. Six-to-eight-week-old female Balb/c mice were
treated with 12.5 mg/kg (1 dbi), 25 mg/kg (1 dbi), or 50 mg/kg (1
dbi) Q3G (n=10 per group) or 10% DMSO (n=10) via intraperitoneal
injection every other day beginning from day -1 until day 11. Mice
in all groups received a challenge dose of 1000.times.LD.sub.50 of
mouse-adapted Ebola virus (Mayinga isolate) in 200 .mu.l PBS (pH
7.4) by intraperitoneal injection on day 0. (FIG. 3D) Survival and
(FIG. 3E) changes in weight of Q3G treated and untreated mice.
(FIG. 3F) Experimental plan outlining treatment.
Six-to-eight-week-old female Balb/c mice received a challenge dose
of 1000.times.LD.sub.50 of mouse-adapted Ebola virus (Mayinga
isolate) in 200 .mu.l of PBS (pH 7.4) by intraperitoneal injection
on day 0. Starting at 24 hours post infection, mice were treated
with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg of Q3G (n=10) or 10% DMSO
(n=10) every other day via intraperitoneal injection until day 11.
(FIG. 3G) Survival and (FIG. 3H) changes in weight of Q3G treated
and untreated mice.
[0045] FIGS. 4A-C: Impact of Q3G on ebolaviruses entry and
infectivity. (FIG. 4A) VeroE6 cells were pre-treated with 10 .mu.M
Q3G for one hour and then infected with VSV-EBOV, VSV-SUDV or
VSV-RESTV (MOI=0.1) at 37.degree. C. for 1 hour in the absence of
Q3G. (FIG. 4B) VeroE6 cells were pre-treated with 10 .mu.M Q3G for
one hour and then infected with VSV-EBOV, VSV-SUDV or VSV-RESTV
(MOI=0.1) at 37.degree. C. for 1 hour in the presence of Q3G. (FIG.
4C) 200 .mu.l of VSV, VSV-EBOV, VSV-SUDV and VSV-RESTV virus stocks
were incubated with 10 .mu.M Q3G for 1 h at 37.degree. C. and then
titered using a TCID.sub.50 assay. Fresh media was added without
Q3G and supernatants were harvested at 72 h and titered using a
TCID.sub.50 assay. All experiments were performed in triplicate and
error bars represent the standard error of the mean.
***=p-value<0.001.
[0046] FIGS. 5A-B: Effect of Q3G on cathepsin L or B activity: Vero
E6 cells were incubated with Q3G, lysed for cytoplasmic proteins
and incubated with a fluorescent cathepsin substrate. The amount of
cleaved substrate via (FIG. 5A) Cathepsin L and (FIG. 5B) Cathepsin
B was measured with a fluorescent plate reader. All experiments
were done in triplicate.
[0047] FIGS. 6: Effect of Q3G on lysosomal pH: Vero E6 cells were
grown to 85% confluence, treated with a range of doses of Q3G
(0-100 .mu.M) for 1 hour and stained with 100 nM Lysotracker for 30
minutes at 37.degree. C. Live images were taken with an EVOS
microscope at 10.times. magnification. All experiments were
performed in duplicate.
[0048] FIGS. 7A-C: Antiviral activity of Q3G against ZIKV in cell
culture. Viral inhibition curves of Q3G at various concentrations
on ZIKV PLCal_ZV assessed at (FIG. 7A) 2 days post-infection (2
dpi) (circles) or 4 days post-infection (4 dpi) (triangles).
Quantification of ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 NS1 expression by
ELISA from the (FIG. 7B) supernatant and (FIG. 7C) cell lysate of
Vero cells infected with PLCal_ZV and treated with Q3G at various
concentrations. The term "mock" indicates mock infection. All
experiments were performed in triplicate and error bars represent
mean .+-.standard deviation. **P<0.01; *** P<0.001.
[0049] FIG. 8: Inhibitory effect of Q3G at the indicated
concentrations on ZIKV PLCal_ZV (MOI=0.05) in Vero cells, and
visualized under a microscope at 4 dpi.
[0050] FIGS. 9A-C: Treatment of ZIKV-infected Ifnar1-/- mice with
Q3G. (FIG. 9A) Post-exposure treatment schedule of Q3G or PBS.
(FIG. 9B) Survival and (FIG. 9C) weight loss over time. Mice were
challenged intraperitoneally with 1.times.106 PFU of the PRVABC59
isolate.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0051] The present invention provides a method of preventing or
treating a filovirus hemorrhagic fever or any symptom thereof
comprising administering Quercetin-3-.beta.-O-D-glucoside (Q3G)
(also called isoquercetin, quercetin-3-glucoside,
quercetin-3-O-glucoside, Quercetin-3-D-glucoside) or an analogue to
a subject in need thereof. As used herein analogues of Q3G includes
other quercetin glycosides such as enzymatically modified
isoquercitrin (EMIQ), a polyglycosylated Q3G analogue, rutinoside,
or rutoside (also called rutine or sophorine).
[0052] The present invention also provides a method of preventing
or treating Zika fever (or Zika virus disease (ZVD) or Zika) or any
symptom thereof comprising administering Q3G to a subject in need
thereof.
[0053] Q3G has a molecular weight of 464.38 is a natural derivative
of quercetin containing a glucoside molecule (FIG. 1A). It is a
flavonoid naturally found in various plants (e.g., Mangifera indica
(mango), Rheum nobile (the Noble rhubarb), leaves of Annona
squamosa, leaves of Camellia sinensis (tea), Carpobrotus edulis,
Ashanti pepper seed, Morus nigra L. Leaves, Chrysanthemum balsamita
var. balsamita, Mangifera indica Leaves, Hypericum japonicum Thunb,
Lycium barbarum L. etc.) and as such present in foods and drinks.
It can also be made recombinantly in microorganisms (e.g., in E.
coli (see Xia, 2017).
[0054] Diseases
[0055] Filovirus hemorrhagic fevers are caused by viruses of the
filoviridae family. This family includes the Ebola virus and the
Marburg virus. Symptoms of a filovirus hemorrhagic fever includes
the presence of viral antibodies or RNA in blood, low white blood
cell, low platelet counts, elevated liver enzymes, tiredness,
weakness, decreased appetite, fever (usually higher than
38.3.degree. C.), sore throat, flushing of the face and chest,
rash, small red or purple spots (petechiae), bleeding, swelling
caused by edema, low blood pressure (hypotension), shock, decreased
function of the liver and kidneys, weight loss, decreased blood
clotting, internal bleeding, external bleeding (e.g., from mucous
membranes or sites of needle punctures), low blood pressure, "VHF
syndrome" (capillary leak, bleeding diathesis, and circulatory
compromise leading to shock). It may also include muscle pain,
headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms varies
with the type of virus. The signs and symptoms typically start
between two days and 21 days after contracting the virus, sometimes
longer than 21 days, and usually between 4 to 10 days. The virus
spreads by direct contact with body fluids such as blood, semen and
breast milk with an infected animal such as a human from or with an
object contaminated with such bodily fluid. Confirmation that
symptoms are caused by viral infection is made using the following
diagnostic methods: antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA); antigen-capture detection tests; serum
neutralization test; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR) assay; electron microscopy; virus isolation by
cell culture. For ZVD, expression of ZIKV nonstructural protein 1
(NS1) can be used. NS1 is known to be a major host-interaction
molecule that plays a role in virus replication, pathogenesis and
immune evasion (Rastogi, 2016).
[0056] In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a
method for preventing or treating an Ebola virus disease (EVD) or
any symptom thereof or a Marburg virus disease (MVD) in a subject
in need thereof.
[0057] The EVD is caused by viruses of the genus ebolavirus, a
virological taxon. The five known ebolavirus species are Bundibugyo
ebolavirus (BDBV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus
(SUDV), Tai Forest ebolavirus (TAFV) (originally Cot d'Ivoire
ebolavirus), and Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV). BDBV, SUDV, TAFV and EBOV
cause EVD in humans, while RESTV causes EBV in other primates.
[0058] The MVD may be caused by the Marburg virus (MARV) and the
Ravn virus (RAW).
[0059] In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a
method for preventing or treating a flavivirus disease or any
symptom thereof in a subject in need thereof. In a specific
embodiment, the flavivirus is a Zika virus.
[0060] The ZVD often causes no or only mild symptoms in adults. The
symptoms may include fever, red eyes, headache, vomiting, muscle
and joint pains, a characteristic maculopapular skin rash and may
result in Guillain-Barre syndrome. Symptoms generally last less
than 7 days. The infection can also spread from a pregnant woman to
her baby and result in microcephaly, severe brain malformations,
and other birth defects. A blood, urine, semen or saliva assay to
detect the presence of the Zika virus RNA can confirm Zika
infection
[0061] As used herein, the term "exposure" refers to entry in
contaminated or at-risk territories, and/or contact with
contaminated or at-risk humans, animals, insects or objects. As
used herein, the terms "at-risk territories" refer to territories
(e.g., countries) where there are confirmed (e.g., serological
evidence) or probable cases of the subject infection (e.g.,
filovirus or Zika virus infection), or where cases of the subject
infection have been reported in the past. At-risk individuals refer
to individual that have been diagnosed with or suspected of having
the subject infection (e.g., filovirus or Zika virus infection) or
individual that have been in contact directly or indirectly with
individuals that have been diagnosed with or suspected or having a
subject infection, or have been in an at-risk territory in the last
two months, or in the last 3 weeks. Without being so limited, these
individuals include health-care workers taking care of infected
individuals, and laboratory personal working with samples from
infected hosts. At-risk objects are objects that have been
manipulated by at-risk individuals or present in an at-risk
territory. At-risk animals refer to any animal that can be a host
(naturally or not) for a subject infection. As used herein "contact
with an at-risk individual" includes sexual activity, and direct
contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood,
secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people or
direct contact with the body of the deceased. As used herein
"contact with an at-risk object" includes direct contact (through
broken skin or mucous membranes) with a surface or material (e.g.,
bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids and blood
transfusion.
[0062] With reference to filovirus infections, and without being so
limited, at-risk territories refer to tropical rainforests; Africa
including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra
Leone, Angola, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Senegal. At-risk animals
include fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, chimpanzees,
gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines living in at-risk
territories.
[0063] With reference to Zika virus infections, and without being
so limited, at-risk territories include countries of the Central
and South America including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and El
Salvador; the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic, Puerto
Rico, and Jamaica; the equatorial belt from Africa to Asia; the
Federal States of Micronesia; Yap Island; French Polynesia; Uganda;
etc. At-risk animals and insects include mosquitoes such as
daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti, A. albopictus,
Ae. africanus, Ae. apicoargenteus, Ae. luteocephalus, Ae.
Albopictus, Ae. Vittatus, Ae. furcifer. Aedes hensilli and Aedes
polynesiensis, west African monkeys and rodents.
[0064] As used herein the terms "treat/treating/treatment" and
"prevent/preventing/prevention" as used herein, refers to eliciting
the desired biological response, i.e., a therapeutic and
prophylactic effect, respectively. In accordance with the subject
invention, the therapeutic effect comprises one or more of a
decrease/reduction in the severity of a human disease (e.g., a
reduction or inhibition of a filovirus hemorrhagic fever (e.g.,
EVD, MVD) or Zika virus disease, or symptom thereof), a
decrease/reduction in at least one symptom or disease-related
effect, an amelioration of at least one symptom or disease-related
effect, and an increased survival time of the affected host animal,
following administration of Q3G, or an analogue thereof, or of a
composition comprising Q3G, or an analogue thereof. In accordance
with the invention, a prophylactic effect may comprise a complete
or partial avoidance/inhibition of filovirus hemorrhagic fever
(e.g., EVD, MVD) or ZVD, or a symptom thereof or a delay of
filovirus hemorrhagic fever (e.g., EVD, MVD) or ZVD, or a symptom
thereof (e.g., a complete or partial avoidance/inhibition of
hemorrhage or a delay of hemorrhage development), and an increased
survival time of the affected host animal, following administration
of Q3G, or an analogue thereof or of a composition comprising Q3G,
or an analogue thereof.
[0065] As such, a "therapeutically effective" or "prophylactically
effective" amount of Q3G, or an analogue thereof or of a
composition comprising Q3G, or an analogue thereof, may be
administered to a subject in need thereof, in the context of the
methods of treatment and prevention, respectively, described
herein.
[0066] As used herein the term "subject" or "host" or "patient" is
meant to refer to any animal, such as a mammal including human,
primates (e.g., monkey, gorilla), pets such as mice, rat, dog, cat,
pig, cow, horse, etc. In a particular embodiment, it refers to a
human.
[0067] A "subject in need thereof" or a "patient" or "host in need
thereof" in the context of the present invention is intended to
include any subject that will benefit or that is likely to benefit
from the prevention and/or treatment of an hemorrhagic fever (e.g.,
EVD, MVD) or flavivirus disease (e.g., ZVD). In an embodiment, the
subject in need thereof is a subject diagnosed with an hemorrhagic
fever (e.g., EVD, MVD) or flavivirus disease (e.g., ZVD). In
another embodiment, the subject in need thereof is a human that
intends to travel or live in an at-risk territory or be in contact
with at least one of an at-risk individual, at-risk animal, at-risk
insect or at-risk object. In a specific embodiment, it refers to a
health care or laboratory professional that is likely to become in
contact with at least one of an at-risk individual, at-risk animal,
at-risk insect or at-risk object.
[0068] As used herein, the term "a" or "the" means "at least
one".
[0069] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be
modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the
subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
[0070] Compositions
[0071] The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical
compositions comprising Q3G or an analogue thereof.
[0072] Without being so limited, the medicaments/pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention may be administered orally, for
example in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragees, hard or
soft gelatin capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions.
Administration can also be carried out rectally, for example using
suppositories; locally, topically, or percutaneously, for example
using ointments, creams, gels or solutions; or parenterally, e.g.,
intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneal, intradermal,
subcutaneously, intrathecally or transdermally, using for example
injectable solutions. Furthermore, administration can be carried
out sublingually, nasally, as ophthalmological preparations or as
an aerosol, for example in the form of a spray, such as a nasal
spray.
[0073] For the preparation of tablets, coated tablets, dragees or
hard gelatin capsules, the compounds of the present invention may
be admixed with any known pharmaceutically inert, inorganic or
organic excipient and/or carrier. Examples of suitable
excipients/carriers include lactose, maize starch or derivatives
thereof, talc or stearic acid or salts thereof.
[0074] Suitable excipients for use with soft gelatin capsules
include for example vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semi-solid or
liquid polyols etc. According to the nature of the active
ingredients it may however be the case that no excipient is needed
at all for soft gelatin capsules.
[0075] For the preparation of solutions and syrups, excipients
which may be used include for example water, polyols, saccharose,
invert sugar and glucose.
[0076] For injectable solutions, excipients which may be used
include for example water, saline, alcohols, polyols, glycerin,
vegetable oils and other appropriate excipients.
[0077] For suppositories, and local or percutaneous application,
excipients which may be used include for example natural or
hardened oils, waxes, fats and semi-solid or liquid polyols.
[0078] The medicaments/pharmaceutical compositions may also contain
preserving agents, solubilizing agents, stabilizing agents, wetting
agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, odorants, salts for the
variation of osmotic pressure, buffers, coating agents and/or
antioxidants. They may also contain other therapeutically active
agents.
[0079] Intravenous, or oral administrations are preferred forms of
use. The dosages in which Q3G or an analogue thereof are
administered in effective amounts depend on the nature of the
specific active ingredient, the age and the requirements of the
subject and the mode of application.
[0080] As mentioned above, the pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention can contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier
including, without limitation, sterile aqueous or non-aqueous
solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous
solvents include, without limitation, propylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils, and injectable organic esters.
Aqueous carriers include, without limitation, water, alcohol,
saline, and buffered solutions. Pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers also can include physiologically acceptable aqueous
vehicles (e.g., physiological saline) or other known carriers
appropriate to specific routes of administration.
[0081] Q3G or an analogue thereof may be incorporated into dosage
forms in conjunction with any of the vehicles which are commonly
employed in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., talc, gum arabic,
lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, cocoa butter, aqueous or
non-aqueous solvents, oils, paraffin derivatives or glycols.
Emulsions such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,183,
incorporated herein by reference, may also be used in which
vegetable oil (e.g., soybean oil or safflower oil), emulsifying
agent (e.g., egg yolk phospholipid) and water are combined with
glycerol. Methods for preparing appropriate formulations are well
known in the art (see e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,
16th Ed., 1980, A. Oslo Ed., Easton, Pa. incorporated herein by
reference).
[0082] In cases where parenteral administration is elected as the
route of administration, preparations containing Q3G or an analogue
thereof may be provided to subjects in combination with
pharmaceutically acceptable sterile aqueous or non-aqueous
solvents, suspensions or emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous
solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oil,
fish oil, and injectable organic esters. Aqueous carriers include
water, water-alcohol solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including
saline and buffered medical parenteral vehicles including sodium
chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose solution, dextrose plus sodium
chloride solution, Ringer's solution containing lactose, or fixed
oils. Intravenous vehicles may include fluid and nutrient
replenishers, electrolyte replenishers, such as those based upon
Ringer's dextrose, and the like.
[0083] It is a prerequisite that all excipients used in the
manufacture of the compositions of the present invention, such as
carriers, are non-toxic and more generally pharmaceutically
acceptable.
[0084] As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable" such as
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, etc., means
pharmacologically acceptable and substantially non-toxic to the
subject to which Q3G or an analogue thereof is administered.
[0085] Any amount of a pharmaceutical composition can be
administered to a subject. The dosages will depend on many factors
including the mode of administration. Typically, the amount of Q3G
or an analogue thereof contained within a single dose will be an
amount that effectively prevent, delay or treat the disease or
condition to be treated, delayed or prevented without inducing
significant toxicity.
[0086] The effective amount of Q3G or an analogue thereof may also
be measured directly. The effective amount may be given daily or
weekly or fractions thereof. Typically, a pharmaceutical
composition of the invention can be administered in an amount from
about 0.8 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg (0.8 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg), In
another specific embodiment, it refers to up to about 14.3 mg per
kg of body weight per day (e.g., 0.8 mg, 0.9 mg, 1 mg, 1.1 mg, 1.2
mg, 1.3 mg, 1.4 mg, 1.5 mg, 1.6 mg, 1.7 mg, 1.8 mg, 1.9 mg, 2 mg,
2.1 mg, 2.2 mg, 2.3 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg, 2.6 mg, 2.7 mg, 2.8 mg, 2.9
mg, 3 mg, 3.1 mg, 3.2 mg, 3.3 mg, 3.4 mg, 3.5 mg, 3.6 mg, 3.7 mg,
3.8 mg, 3.9 mg, 4 mg, 4.1 mg, 4.2 mg, 4.3 mg, 4.4 mg, 4.5 mg, 4.6
mg, 4.7 mg, 4.8 mg, 4.9 mg, 5 mg, 5.5 mg, 6 mg, 6.5 mg, 7 mg, 7.5
mg, 8 mg, 8.5 mg, 9 mg, 9.5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg) per kg of body
weight per day. Dosages may be provided in either a single or
multiple dosage regimen. For example, in some embodiments, for a
human of about 40 kg to about 100 kg, the effective amount may
range from about 30 mg to about 1 gram of the composition per day,
32 mg to about 800 mg of the composition per day about 500 mg to
about 7 grams of the composition per week, about 500 mg to about 6
grams of the composition per week, about 560 mg to about 5.6 grams
of the composition per week, about 50 mg to about 2 grams of the
composition every other day, about 60 mg to about 1600 grams of the
composition every other day, about 64 mg to about 1600 grams of the
composition every other day. In a more specific embodiment, it
refers, for a human of 40-100 kg, to an amount of 30 mg to 910 g
daily (e.g., 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 90 mg, 100
mg, 110 mg, 120 mg, 130 mg, 140 mg, 150 mg, 160 mg, 170 mg, 180 mg,
190 mg, 200 mg, 210 mg, 220 mg, 230 mg, 240 mg, 250 mg, 260 mg, 270
mg, 280 mg, 290 mg, 300 mg, 310 mg, 320 mg, 330 mg, 340 mg, 350 mg,
360 mg, 370 mg, 380 mg, 390 mg, 400 mg, 410 mg, 420 mg, 430 mg, 440
mg, 450 mg, 450 mg, 460 mg, 470 mg, 480 mg, 490 mg, 500 mg, 510 mg,
520 mg, 530 mg, 540 mg, 550 mg, 560 mg, 570 mg, 580 mg, 590 mg, 600
mg, 610 mg, 620 mg, 730 mg, 740 mg, 750 mg, 760 mg, 770 mg, 780 mg,
790 mg, 800 mg, 810 mg, 820 mg, 830 mg, 840 mg, 850 mg, 860 mg, 870
mg, 880 mg, 890 mg, 800 mg, or 810 mg, daily). In another specific
embodiment, it refers to an amount 1000 to 2300 mg daily for a
human subject of about 70 kg. In another specific embodiment, it
refers to about 12.5 to 50 mg/kg daily. The Q3G may be administered
once every two days, once a day, twice or three times daily, twice
a week, or three times a week, or at least once every 2, 3, 4, 5,
or 6 days, for at least 1-18 weeks, or for at least 2-16 weeks, or
for at least 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 weeks.
As a comparison, daily recommended doses of Q3G used as a food
supplement are of about 1136 to 2272 mg per day (i.e. about 12.5 to
50 mg/kg per day).
[0087] In specific embodiments (e.g., in a prophylactic treatment
against a filovirus hemorrhagic fever (e.g., Ebola virus
infection)), the Q3G or its analogue is administered at least 2
weeks, or 13 days, 12 days, 11 days, 10 days, 9 days, 8 days, 7
days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days, 1 day, 20 hours, 15
hours, 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4
hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 20
minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, or 5 minutes prior to exposure. In
a specific embodiment, it is administered between 3 days and 30
minutes before exposure. Administration of Q3G or its analogue may
be continued at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6
days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days or more
after exposure. In other specific embodiments (e.g., in a
therapeutic treatment against a filovirus hemorrhagic fever (e.g.,
Ebola virus infection) or against a flavivirus infection (e.g.,
Zika virus infection)), the Q3G is administered 10 minutes, 20
minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3
hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10
hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours,
18 hours, 19 hours, 20 hours, 21 hours, 22 hours, 23 hours, 1 day,
2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10
days or more after treatment. In a specific embodiment, it is
administered before the end of the incubation period. In a specific
embodiment, it is administered less than 21 days after exposure. In
another specific embodiment, it is administered less than 10 days
after exposure. In another specific embodiment against a flavivirus
infection (e.g., Zika virus infection), it is administered less
than 4 days after exposure. In another specific embodiment, (e.g.,
in a treatment against a flavivirus infection (e.g., Zika virus
infection)), the Q3G or its analogue is administered 1 day after
treatment and continued daily for 6 days.
[0088] These are simply guidelines since the actual dose must be
carefully selected and titrated by the attending physician based
upon clinical factors unique to each patient. The optimal daily
dose will be determined by methods known in the art and will be
influenced by factors such as the age of the patient and other
clinically relevant factors. In addition, patients may be taking
medications for other diseases or conditions. The other medications
may be continued during the time that the pharmaceutical
composition of the invention is given to the patient, but it is
particularly advisable in such cases to begin with low doses to
determine if adverse side effects are experienced. Possible
deleterious interactions have been reported with certain drugs and
such combination should be avoided (e.g., Aspirin.TM., Coumadin,
cyclosporine etc.).
[0089] Combinations
[0090] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a
combination of Q3G or an analogue thereof with another antiviral
inhibitor or therapy against an hemorrhagic fever or flavivirus
disease (e.g., Anti-filovirus (e.g., anti-Ebola, or Anti-Marburg
virus) or anti-flavivirus (e.g., anti-Zika virus)) and/or with a
non-pharmaceutical treatment/regimen such as for flavivirus
infection, use of insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or
oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Without being so limited, such an
antiviral inhibitor or therapy against an hemorrhagic fever or
flavivirus disease include ribavirin, lamivudine (against
filovirus), vaccine as well as generally supportive therapy that
replenishes intravenous fluids, maintains blood pressure, and other
bodily functions that are administered to mammals (e.g., human
beings) infected with hemorrhagic fevers.
[0091] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a
composition comprising Q3G or an analogue thereof, and (i) another
antiviral agent; (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
(iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). In accordance with another
aspect, there is provided a method for preventing or treating a
filovirus hemorrhagic fever or a flavivirus disease or a symptom
thereof comprising administering an effective amount of Q3G or an
analogue thereof; and (i) another antiviral agent; and/or (ii) a
non-pharmaceutical means.
[0092] In a specific embodiment, said composition is a
pharmaceutical composition. In another specific embodiment, the
composition comprises (i) Q3G or an analogue thereof; and (ii)
another antiviral agent.
[0093] Kits
[0094] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a kit comprising Q3G or an analogue thereof or
the above-mentioned composition, and instructions to use same in
the prevention or treatment of an hemorrhagic fever (e.g., EVD,
MVD) or flavivirus disease (e.g., ZVD) or of a symptom thereof.
[0095] In a specific embodiment of the kit, the kit further
comprises: (i) another antiviral agent; (iii) instructions to use
same in the prevention or treatment of an hemorrhagic fever (e.g.,
EVD, MVD) or flavivirus disease (e.g., ZVD) or of a symptom
thereof; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).
[0096] The present invention is illustrated in further details by
the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLE 1
Material and Methods
[0097] Molecules
[0098] Q3G was obtained commercially (Sigma-Aldrich, 17793).
[0099] Cells and Viruses
[0100] Vero E6 cells were maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle
Medium (HyClone) (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum
(Sigma-Aldrich). The generation of pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis
viruses containing the glycoproteins of Ebola virus, Sudan virus
and Reston virus (VSV.DELTA.GP-EBOV, VSV.DELTA.GP-SUDV,
VSV.DELTA.GP-RSTV) has been published previously (Qiu, 2011; Cote,
2004). The following ebolaviruses were used: EBOV-Kikwit-GFP (based
on H. sapiens-tc/COD/1995/Kikwit-9510621, Genbank accession no.
AY354458), EBOV-Makona (H. sapiens-tc/GIN/2014/Gueckedou-C07,
Genbank no. KJ660347.2), SUDV-Boniface (H.
sapiens-tc/SUD/1976/Boniface, Genbank accession no. FJ968794.1),
and mouse-adapted EBOV (Ebola virus
USAMRIID/BALB/c-lab/COD/1976/Mayinga-MA-p3).
[0101] Two different ZIKV strains from the Asian lineage, which
were isolated from laboratory-confirmed patients, were used:
PLCal_ZV (GenBank KF993678.1) for the in vitro experiments, and
PRVABC59 (GenBank KU501215) for the in vivo experiments. Stock
viruses were grown in Vero cells (ATCC, CCL-81), and stored at
-80.degree. C.
[0102] Virus Infections in BSL-4
[0103] All work with Ebola infectious virus was performed in the
Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) facility at the National Microbiology
Laboratory (NML) of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in
the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health (CSCHAH;
Winnipeg, Canada). All experiments with Zika viruses were conducted
in the Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) facility at the NML. All
procedures were conducted in accordance with international
protocols appropriate for these levels of biosafety.
[0104] All animal work was performed in accordance with guidelines
laid out by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), and
protocols were approved by Applicant's Animal Care Committee.
[0105] Cell Viability Assays
[0106] The toxicity of Q3G was evaluated in Vero E6 cells by using
the PrestoBlue.TM. Cell Viability Reagent, which is a resazurin
dye-based assay (Life Technologies, Canada). Cells were plated and
allowed to adhere overnight and then treated with various
concentrations of Q3G for 2 hours. Control cells received an
equivalent volume of 10% DMSO only. PrestoBlue.TM. Cell Viability
Reagent was added according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Viability was determined by comparing fluorescence readings of
treated cells to untreated controls. All samples were run in
triplicate, and each experiment was performed a minimum of three
times. The CC.sub.50 and CC.sub.90 values were calculated using a
four-parameter logistic regression in Prism 5.TM. (GraphPad).
[0107] Q3G Dose Response Curve and IC.sub.50 Calculation
[0108] Vero E6 cells were pre-treated with Q3G (0-200 .mu.M) or
DMSO for 1 hour at 37.degree. C. and infected with an MOI=0.1 of
eGFP-expressing EBOV in the presence of Q3G or DMSO for 1 hour at
37.degree. C. The inoculum was removed and replaced with fresh
medium (DMEM 2% FBS). Cells were then further incubated for 72 h in
the presence of Q3G or DMSO. At 72 h, the cells were imaged using
an EVOS FL and fixed with 10% formalin for 48 hrs, the green
fluorescent protein signal was quantified on a Biotek Synergy.TM.
HTX plate reader. Infection was determined by comparing
fluorescence readings of Q3G-treated infected cells to DMSO-treated
controls. The EC.sub.50, and EC.sub.90 values were calculated using
a four-parameter logistic regression in Prism 5.TM. (GraphPad).
Selectivity index values were calculated as
CC.sub.50/EC.sub.50.
[0109] Quantification of EBOV and SUDV by qPCR for in Vitro
Studies
[0110] Vero E6 cells were first treated with 10 .mu.M Q3G for 1
hour prior to infection. Cells were then infected with an MOI=0.1
of EBOV-Makona or SUDV for 1 hour at 37.degree. C. in the presence
of Q3G. Cells were then washed with PBS and media was replaced with
DMEM supplemented with 1% penicillin/streptomycin, 4% fetal bovine
serum and Q3G. At 5 days post infection cell supernatant was placed
in AVL.TM. buffer (Qiagen) and viral RNA was extracted using the
QIAamp.TM. viral RNA mini kit (Qiagen). EBOV and SUDV genomic
material was detected using the LightCycler.TM. 480 RNA Master
Hydrolysis Probes (Roche) kit, targeting the RNA polymerase gene
(nucleotides 16472 to 16538, AF086833). PCR conditions were as
follows: 63.degree. C. for 3 minutes, 95.degree. C. for 30 seconds,
and cycling of 95.degree. C. for 15 seconds, 60.degree. C. for 30
seconds for 45 cycles on the ABI StepOnePlus.TM. Thermocycler. The
lower detection limit for this assay is 86 genome equivalents
(GEQ)/mL. The sequences of primers used were as follows: EBOV-L-F2
(CAGCCAGCAATTTCTTCCAT) (SEQ ID NO: 1), EBOV-L-R2
(TTTCGGTTGCTGTTTCTGTG) (SEQ ID NO: 2), EBOV-L-P2FAM
(FAM-ATCATTGGCGTACTGGAGGAGCAG-BHQ1) (SEQ ID NO: 3), SEBOV-L-F
(CAGAAGACAATGCAGCCAGA) (SEQ ID NO: 4), SEBOV-L-R
(TTGAGGAATATCCCACAGGC) (SEQ ID NO: 5) and SEBOV-L-PFAM
(CTGCTAGCTTGGCCAAAGTCACAAG-BHQ1) (SEQ ID NO: 6).
[0111] TCID.sub.50 Assay
[0112] Determination of the amount of virus that produces
cytopathic effects in 50% of cells in culture.
[0113] Quantification of EBOV by qPCR for In Vivo Studies
[0114] RNA was extracted from whole blood samples with the
QIAamp.TM. viral RNA mini kit (Qiagen) and from spleen, kidney,
lung, brain and liver tissue samples using the RNeasy.TM. Plus mini
kit (Qiagen). EBOV genomic material was detected as described
above.
[0115] In Vivo Treatment (Prophylactic and Therapeutic) with Q3G
and Ebola
[0116] Six-to-eight-week-old female Balb/c or C57BL/6 mice (Charles
River) were treated with 12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, or 50 mg/kg of body
weight of Q3G or 10% DMSO at the time points indicated. Q3G was
administered by intraperitoneal injection. Q3G was administered
every other day starting either 14 days, 13 days, 7 days, 3 days, 1
day or 30 minutes pre-challenge, or 24 h/1 day post-challenge. Mice
in all groups received a challenge dose of 1000.times.LD.sub.50 of
mouse-adapted Ebola virus (Mayinga variant) in 200 .mu.l of DMEM
(pH 7.4) by intraperitoneal injection. Following infection, the
treatment regimen continued at the same dosage for a various number
of days (see FIGS. 2A (continued for 12 days), 2D (continued for 10
or 11 days), 2G (continued for 5 days) and 3C and 3F (continued for
11 days).
[0117] In Vivo Treatment With Q3G and Zika
[0118] In vivo therapeutic effects of Q3G in immunocompromised mice
lacking the receptor for type I interferon (Jackson laboratories,
32045-JAX), hereafter referred to as Ifnar1.sup.-/-, was also
evaluated.
[0119] Dosing and Toxicity Study
[0120] Eighty naive C57BL/6 male mice (at least 9 weeks of age, 23
to 28 g) were randomly assigned to groups (n=10) and dosed with
12.5-400 mg/ml Q3G or 10% DMSO in a single 5 ml intraperitoneal
injection (FIG. 3A). Changes in body weight were monitored for 14
days as an indication of toxicity.
[0121] Quantification of VSV and VSV-Ebola Virus Inhibition by
Q3G
[0122] Vero E6 cells were pre-treated with 10 .mu.M Q3G or DMSO for
1 hour at 37.degree. C. and infected with an MOI=0.1 of VSV,
VSV-EBOV, VSV-SUDV or VSV-RESTV for 1 hour at 37.degree. C. Cells
were then overlaid with fresh medium. Some experiments included Q3G
after viral adsorption and some were done in the absence of Q3G
after adsorption. At 72 h, supernatants were harvested and titered
on Vero E6 cells using a TCID.sub.50 assay.
[0123] Effect of Q3G on Viral Infectivity
[0124] 200 .mu.l of VSV, VSV-EBOV, VSV-SUDV and VSV-RESTV viral
stocks were treated with 10 .mu.M Q3Gor DMSO for 1 hour at
37.degree. C., purified using a 20% sucrose cushion
(30,000.times.g, 4.degree. C., 2 h) and resuspended in 200 .mu.l
PBS. The purified virus was then titered using a TCID50 assay.
[0125] Statistics
[0126] Differences in survival were calculated for Q3G groups
compared to DMSO using a log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test in Prism.TM. 5.
Unpaired, two-sided t-tests with Welch's correction were performed
to determine differences between DMSO end Q3G treatment groups in
vitro. *=p-value<0.05, **=p-value<0.01,
***=p-value<0.001.
[0127] Effect of Q3G on the Activity of Cathepsins B and L
[0128] Vero E6 cells were grown to 95% confluence and treated with
a range of doses of Q3G (0-100 .mu.M) for 1 hour and assessed for
cathepsins B and L activity using the Cathepsin Activity Assay
(Abcam) kits and following the manufacturer's instructions.
[0129] Effect of Q3G on Acidification of Lysosomes
[0130] Vero E6 cells were grown to 85% confluence, treated with a
range of doses of Q3G (0-100 .mu.M) for 1 hour and stained with 100
nM Lysotracker.TM. Red DND-99 (ThermoFisher Scientific) for 30
minutes at 37.degree. C. Live images were taken with an EVOS.TM.
microscope at 10.times. magnification.
EXAMPLE 2
In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Q3G Against Multiple Wildtype
Ebolaviruses
[0131] In order to test the antiviral activity of this compound
against ebolavirus, the half maximal effective concentration
(EC.sub.50) and 90% of maximal effective concentration (EC90)
values were first calculated using Vero E6 epithelial cells. Cells
were pre-treated with 2-fold dilutions of Q3G for 1 hour and
infected with an enhanced GFP-expressing EBOV virus at an MOI of
0.1 for 1 hour in the presence of Q3G. The infected cells were
incubated in the presence of Q3G for three days, after which
fluorescent images were taken of each Q3G dilution (one dilution
represented in FIG. 1B) and the fluorescence was quantified using a
Bio-Tek.TM. plate reader. This produced a curve from which the
EC.sub.50 and EC.sub.90 values were calculated to be 5.3 .mu.M
(Cl+/-0.32) and 9.3 .mu.M, respectively (FIG. 1C). Importantly, the
decrease in viral titers could not be attributed to the toxicity of
Q3G, as the cells exhibited 100% viability at all concentrations
tested (FIG. 1D). In addition, it was confirmed that Q3G also
inhibited replication of other variants and viruses of the Ebola
genus including wildtype EBOV-Makona and SUDV-Boniface using
RT-qPCR (FIG. 1E) and a TCID.sub.50 assay (FIG. 1F). Collectively,
these data demonstrate the in vitro antiviral activity of Q3G
against multiple wildtype ebolaviruses.
EXAMPLE 3
In Vivo Antiviral Activity of Q3G Against Multiple Wildtype
Ebolaviruses
[0132] In order to test whether the antiviral activity observed in
vitro would also be protective in vivo, a pilot experiment (n=10)
was first performed in which C57BL/6 mice were treated with 50
mg/kg of Q3G every other day for 2 weeks followed by challenge with
a lethal dose (1000.times.LD.sub.50) of mouse-adapted Ebola virus
(MA-EBOV). Q3G treatments were also continued every 48 h (every
other day) after infection for an additional 12 days (FIG. 2A). All
control animals succumbed to the viral challenge with a mean time
to death of 7.4 days+/-1.1 while all Q3G-treated mice survived
(FIG. 2B) and showed only mild signs of disease such as minimal
weight loss (FIG. 2C). For the second experiment, the robustness of
Q3G efficacy was tested by using Balb/c mice, which have a
different genetic background and immune response from C57BL/6 mice.
In addition to 2 weeks pre-treatment, shorter pretreatment times
were also used including 13 d, 7 d, 3 d and 30 min as well as one
post-treatment time at 24 h post infection (1 d) (FIG. 2D). Q3G
treatments were also continued every 48 h after infection until day
11 (FIG. 2D). It was found that Q3G fully protected mice against
viral challenge even when given only 30 minutes prior to infection
(FIG. 2E) and resulted in less than 10% weight loss (FIG. 2F). In
contrast, only 3/10 mice that received Q3G at 24 hours post
challenge survived (FIG. 2E) and had significant weight loss of 20%
(FIG. 2F).
EXAMPLE 4
[0133] Next was investigated whether lower prophylactic doses of
Q3G or higher post-exposure doses would be equally or more
protective. A toxicity assay was first carried out in which groups
of mice (n=10) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of
different doses of Q3G (0-400 mg/kg) and then weighed and scored
daily to monitor signs of toxicity. All mice that received 400
mg/kg died within 2 days (FIG. 3A). One mouse that received 200
mg/kg died on day 2 as well, and the others lost .about.15% weight
within the first 3 days but then recovered (FIG. 3B). All other
mice survived and remained alert and active, without signs of
toxicity (FIGS. 3A and 3B).
[0134] To test different prophylactic treatment concentrations,
12.5, 25 and 50 mg/ml Q3G were used (FIG. 3C). Compared to 9/10
mice surviving with 50 mg/kg Q3G (FIG. 3D) and minimal weight loss
(FIG. 3E), both 25 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg Q3G resulted in 2/10 and
3/10 survival, respectively (FIG. 3D) and >20% weight loss (FIG.
3E). To test whether higher concentrations of Q3G would provide
greater protection when given post exposure, mice were treated with
50, 100 and 200 mg/kg (this higher dose given on Day one only) Q3G
(FIG. 3F). Surprisingly, all three doses resulted in similar
survival rates of 4/10 or 5/10 mice and did not alter average time
to death (FIG. 3G). Similarly, weight loss was not significantly
different with higher doses of Q3G (FIG. 3H). Notably, 5/10 mice
died on day 2 after treatment with 200 mg/kg Q3G and hence,
treatment was discontinued.
EXAMPLE 5
Mechanism of Q3G on Ebolavirus Replication
[0135] It was investigated whether Q3G was effective at blocking
ebolaviruses at an entry or post-entry step. Wildtype VSV and
VSV-Ebola constructs were utilized in which the outer glycoprotein
for VSV was replaced with the glycoprotein from ebolaviruses.
Hence, this construct is equipped with the cell tropism and entry
mechanisms of a filovirus but retains the VSV replication
machinery. Adding Q3G only as a pre-treatment had no effect on
wildtype VSV replication but strongly reduced the replication of
multiple VSV-Ebola constructs including VSV-EBOV, VSV-SUDV and
VSV-RESTV (FIG. 4A). However, if cells were pretreated and then
kept in the presence of Q3G throughout the viral replication
process, wildtype VSV titers decreased by 5 logs (FIG. 4B) and the
pseudotyped VSV constructs displayed a further log reduction in
titers (FIG. 4B). The inventors then proceeded to test several
steps that had been previously shown to be important for ebolavirus
entry including viral particle infectivity (FIG. 4C), cathepsin
activity (FIGS. 5A and 5B) or lysosomal pH (FIG. 6) but did not
find any effect of Q3G on any of these processes.
EXAMPLE 6
Determination of Maximum Recommended Starting Dose for Human
[0136] The allometric scaling method of Mahmood et al. (Mahmood,
2003) can be used to extrapolate the dose from mice to human.
[0137] The maximum recommended starting dose (MRSD) for human is
calculated by establishing the No Observed Adverse Effect Level
(NOAEL, see Guidance for Industry and Reviewers. December 2002).
Various concentrations of the formulation described above have been
tested on mice, including 12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100
mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. The NOAEL for mice was 100
mg/kg.
[0138] This dose was scaled up to a human equivalent dose (HED)
using published conversion tables which provide a conversion factor
from mice to human of 12.3. A NOAEL of 100 mg/kg for mice is
equivalent to 8.13 mg/kg in human (see also Nair et al. 2016).
[0139] This value (8.13 mg/kg) was divided by a security factor of
ten. The calculated MRSD is thus 0.813 mg/kg. For an average human
weighting 70 kg, a daily dose of 56.91 mg (i.e. about 57 mg) could
thus be administered to start clinical trials.
EXAMPLE 7
In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Q3G Against Zika Viruses
[0140] Vero cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of
Q3G or DMSO as a control for 1 hour at 37.degree. C., and infected
at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.05 with PLCal_ZV in the
presence of the corresponding concentration of Q3G. After 1 hour,
the inoculum was removed, and MEM supplemented with 1%
penicillin-streptomycin, 1% fetal bovine serum, and the
corresponding concentration of Q3G. Viral RNA was extracted from
the supernatant using the .sup.QIAamp.TM. viral RNA minikit
(Qiagen) at either 2- or 4-day post-infection (dpi) and quantified
by RT-qPCR using the LightCycler.TM. 480 RNA Master Hydrolysis
Probes kit (Roche, 04991885001) and a primer-probe set (Probe860)
as published previously (Lanciotti, 2008). Reaction conditions were
63.degree. C. for 3 minutes, 95.degree. C. for 30 seconds, and then
45 cycles of 95.degree. C. for 15 seconds and 60.degree. C. for 30
seconds on an ABI Step OnePlus.TM. thermocycler. Q3G results were
normalized to the control (which was set at 0% inhibition). The 50%
effective concentration (EC.sub.50) and 90% effective
concentrations (EC.sub.90) values were calculated using a
four-parameter logistic regression in Prism 5.TM. (GraphPad). The
EC.sub.50 and EC.sub.90 of Q3G against PLCal_ZV were approximately
1.2-1.3 .mu.M and 1.5 .mu.M, respectively, when assessed on both 2
and 4 dpi (FIG. 7A). Q3G-based inhibition on PLCal_ZV (MOI=0.05) in
Vero cells was also confirmed visually under the microscope, in
which complete inhibition of cytopathic effects (CPE) was observed
at a concentration of 6.9 .mu.M at 4 dpi (FIG. 8).
[0141] The same in vitro infection conditions were used to quantify
the expression of ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) at 4 dpi as a
means to estimate virus replication at the protein level. Using an
anti-ZIKV NS1 ELISA kit (BioFront Technologies, ZIKV-NS-1-EK), it
was shown that Q3G inhibited replication of PLCal_ZV in a
dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by the decrease in NS1 in both
the cell supernatant and lysate, with statistically significant (as
determined by Student's t-test) reductions observed at
concentrations of 0.6 .mu.M and over (FIGS. 7B and 7C).
EXAMPLE 8
In Vivo Antiviral Activity of Q3G Against Zika Viruses--Therapy
[0142] The therapeutic efficacy of Q3G was then tested in
immunocompromised mice (Ifnar1.sup.-/-), which were previously
shown to be susceptible to ZIKV infection (Lazear, 2016). Using the
PRVABC59 isolate of ZIKV, 6 to 8-week-old, male or female
Ifnar1.sup.-/- mice (n=6 per group) were infected intraperitoneally
(IP) with 1.times.10.sup.6 plaque forming units (PFU) of the virus
per animal (day 0) and observed daily for survival and weight loss.
Q3G was administered via IP at a dose of 50 mg/kg beginning at 1
day after challenge (day 1) and continued every day for 7 days.
Control animals were given the same volume of PBS under the same
regimens (FIG. 9A). The control animals uniformly succumbed to ZIKV
infection at 7 dpi with an average of .about.20% weight loss at the
time of death (FIGS. 9B and 9C). Post-exposure administration of
Q3G was partially effective, with 50% of animals surviving the
infection and an average weight loss of .about.20% (FIGS. 9B and
C).
EXAMPLE 9
In Vivo Antiviral Activity of Q3G Against Zika
Viruses--Prophylaxis
[0143] The preventive efficacy of Q3G is tested in
immunocompromised mice (Ifnar1.sup.-/-). Q3G is administered to 6
to 8-week-old, male or female Ifnar1.sup.-/- mice (n=6 per group)
via IP at a dose of 50 mg/kg beginning at 1 day (at day -14) and
continued every day until day 12. Control animals are given the
same volume of PBS under the same regimens. On day 0, using the
PRVABC59 isolate of ZIKV, both groups are infected
intraperitoneally (IP) with 1.times.10.sup.6 plaque forming units
(PFU) of the virus per animal and observed daily for survival and
weight loss.
EXAMPLE 10
In Vivo Antiviral Activity of Q3G Against Ebola and Zika
Viruses
[0144] The therapeutic and preventive efficacy of Q3G is tested in
monkey using the methods described above with adaptations.
EXAMPLE 11
In Vitro Antiviral Activity of EMIQ Against Ebola and Zika
Viruses
[0145] Experiments described in Examples 2 to 10 are performed
using the Q3G analogue EMIQ.
[0146] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be
given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description
as a whole.
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Sequence CWU 1
1
6120DNAartificial sequenceSynthetic construct 1cagccagcaa
tttcttccat 20220DNAartificial sequenceSynthetic construct
2tttcggttgc tgtttctgtg 20324DNAartificial sequenceSynthetic
construct 3atcattggcg tactggagga gcag 24420DNAartificial
sequenceSynthetic construct 4cagaagacaa tgcagccaga
20520DNAartificial sequenceSynthetic construct 5ttgaggaata
tcccacaggc 20625DNAartificial sequenceSynthetic construct
6ctgctagctt ggccaaagtc acaag 25
* * * * *