SBI Pharma Co., Ltd.
SBI Pharma Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative:), a subsidiary of SBI Holdings Co., Ltd., which conducts research and development of pharmaceuticals, health foods and cosmetics using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) (* 1). We are pleased to inform you that Yoshitaka Kitao (hereinafter referred to as “SBI Pharma”) has obtained a patent in Japan for the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infections.
This patent was filed jointly with the National University Corporation Tokushima University (Location: Tokushima City, President: Sumiharu Noji).
[Patent No.] Patent No. 5920901
[Title of invention] Preventive / therapeutic agent for influenza virus infection
[Patent holder] SBI Pharma Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Tokushima University
[Patent filing date] June 3, 2013
Influenza vaccine that uses immunity prophylactically and therapeutically inhibits the enzyme neuraminidase that is present on the surface of the virus against influenza virus infections that are prevalent all over the world and cause outbreaks with deaths Agents such as oseltamivir and zanamivir are currently used in many cases. However, these therapeutic agents are said to be effective at an early stage of infection (within 48 hours), and recently there have been reports of detection of resistant viruses of the drug, so the development of new drugs is expected.
When ALA and sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) (* 2) were administered to influenza-infected model mice, a decrease in food intake, body surface temperature, etc. was prevented, and an improvement in survival rate was observed. I did. The mechanism of action of ALA and SFC, unlike the inhibition of viral growth, improves the energy metabolism of vascular endothelial cells, which are mainly lipid-dependent, by preventing the breakdown of vascular endothelial cells due to inflammation that triggers aggravation. It is thought to suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines. We were able to discover new therapeutic possibilities for future influenza virus infections and obtained a patent.
SBI ALApromo will continue to pursue various possibilities of ALA and strive for research and development so that we can provide medicines that meet unmet medical needs to as many people as possible around the world.
(* 1) 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA): An amino acid made by mitochondria in the body. It is an important substance that is a raw material for functional molecules involved in energy production called heme and cytochrome, but it is known that productivity decreases with aging. ALA is also found in foods such as shochu lees, red wine, and ginseng, and is also known as a raw material for chloroplasts in plants.
(* 2) Sodium ferrous citrate (SFC): A compound that is effective in treating and preventing anemia, and has been widely used in pharmaceuticals and health foods since ancient times.
Journal Abstract: https://www.sbipharma.co.jp/news/news/20160518/
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