Tamiphosphor

Tamiphosphor is a small molecule inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase. Dr. Chi-Huey Wong and Jim-Ming Fang from Academia Sinica invented this phosphonate analog of oseltamivir . It has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo activity against wild-type influenza strains. In 2008, TaiMed Biologics in-licensed this Pre-IND, pre-clinical program from Academia Sinica. US provisional application was filed in August 2007 and US and PCT application were filed in August 2008.

Tamiphosphor has shown significant in vitro activity and has been shown to have higher potency than oseltamivir against wild-type neuraminidases, both H1N1 and H5N1 viruses. In vitro, oseltamivir-resistant neuraminidase is cross-resistant to Tamiphosphor. Furthermore, Tamiphosphor analogs retain potent activity against oseltamivir-resistant (H274Y) H5N1 neuraminidase.  In vivo, mouse challenge studies have shown Tamiphosphor’s superior activity against wild type H1N1 when compared to oseltamivir. Tamiphosphor has also been shown to have comparable activity against wildtype H5N1.

TaiMed Biologics plans to demonstrate sufficient potency against a panel of representative influenza virus isolates, both in vivo and in vitro. A collaboration has been formed with the NIH to perform cross-resistance testing is expected to be complete by 2H 2009. In 2010, TMB plans to complete the necessary PK, bioanlytical and manufacturing work in parallel with GLP tox in order to submit IND and initiate a phase 1 trial.