A team of scientists from the University of Bristol, including BBI Director Professor Imre Berger, have formed a new biotech spin-out company ‘Halo Therapeutics Ltd’ that is developing potential treatments for coronavirus.
The scientists behind Halo Therapeutics were responsible for the breakthrough discovery of a molecule that changes the shape of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein, which was published in Science. Professor Imre Berger, one of the team leading the drug’s development, explained: “The aim of our treatment is to significantly reduce the amount of virus that enters the body and to stop it from multiplying. Then, even if people are infected with the virus or exposed to it, they will not become ill because the antiviral prevents the virus from spreading to the lungs and beyond. Importantly, because the viral load will be so low it will likely also stop transmission.”
Halo Therapeutics Ltd is preparing for clinical trials. If proven to be effective, the antivirals could be used by people of all ages worldwide at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have been in contact with someone with the virus, preventing the virus from taking hold and stopping further transmission.
Studies show the treatments are potentially ‘pan-corona antivirals’ in that they will work against all coronavirus strains – including the highly contagious ‘UK (Kent)’, ‘South African’ and ‘Brazilian’ variants. Some examples of treatments that Halo are currently developing include a nasal spray and inhaler. The antiviral also has the potential to treat patients at all stages of covid-19 and to reduce transmissibility.