Innovative SARS-CoV-2 Blocker from Formycon Completely Prevents Infection of Cells

DGAP-News: Formycon AG / Key word(s): Scientific publication/Alliance
09.12.2020 / 07:30
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Press Release // December 9, 2020

Innovative SARS-CoV-2 Blocker from Formycon Completely Prevents Infection of Cells

Munich - Formycon AG (ISIN: DE000A1EWVY8/ WKN: A1EWVY) together with its academic partners Prof. Dr. Ulrike Protzer, Chair of Virology, and Prof. Dr. Johannes Buchner, Chair of Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, have published results on Formycon's COVID-19-drug (BioRxiv Preprint: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.06.413443).

Based on Formycon's clinically validated experience with antibodies and antibody fusion proteins, the Company initiated the development of an ACE2 antibody fusion protein (FYB207) in March 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Europe.

SARS-CoV-2 and other corona viruses use ACE2 on the surface of human cells as an entry point for respiratory tract infections. Formycon has therefore combined the human ACE2 protein to the constant part of human antibodies by using computer-aided structural design, creating a very effective SARS-CoV-2 blocker called ACE2-IgG-Fc. Different variants of the virus blocker were investigated in laboratory scale for manufacturability, stability and virus inhibition. In vitro tests with isolates of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the original SARS-CoV from 2003 show that Formycon's ACE2 antibody fusion protein effectively binds to SARS corona viruses and completely prevents infection of the cells.

Compared to vaccines and therapeutic antibodies, the ACE2 antibody fusion protein is maximally protected against virus escape by mutation. The risk of infection enhancement by vaccines and IgG1 antibodies described for corona viruses is minimized by using the IgG4 portion in the fusion. FYB207 also has inherent enzymatic activity that may provide additional protection for the lungs and cardiovascular system in symptomatic patients. In addition, FYB207 can potentially be used in all corona viruses that use ACE2 as an entry portal.

"Vaccines and antibodies alone will not be sufficient in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Infected people need medication, especially if they are at risk of becoming more seriously ill or even dying. For symptomatic COVID-19 patients, there is currently no sufficiently effective drug available. As SARS-CoV-2 mutates, the virus may become resistant to vaccines and drugs. FYB207 has excellent protection against mutation and shows in vitro complete neutralization of different SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV variants. With FYB207, we are thus creating a treatment option for COVID-19 patients, but also contributing to the prevention of outbreaks of new corona viruses," says Dr. Carsten Brockmeyer, CEO of Formycon AG.

Dr. Stefan Glombitza (COO) adds: "We are very pleased with the encouraging results from our compound. Based on the results of our laboratory studies, we expect FYB207 to have advantages in efficacy, safety and convenience compared to antibodies and chemical active ingredients. The implementation of this innovative project will have no impact on our ongoing biosimilar programs."

Formycon, together with its research partners, will receive 290,000 euros in funding from the Bavarian Research Foundation for this project. In order to accelerate further development and clinical trials, Formycon is considering options for financial and strategic partnerships. It is planned to spin off the project into a separate subsidiary. The aim is to achieve rapid approval of the COVID-19 drug for emergency use. In the search for partners, Formycon is supported by the independent corporate finance firm goetzpartners.

About Formycon:
Formycon is a leading, independent developer of high-quality biopharmaceutical medicines, especially biosimilars. The company focuses on treatments in ophthalmology, immunology and on other key chronic diseases, covering the entire value chain from technical development to the clinical phase III as well as the preparation of dossiers for marketing approval. With its biosimilars, Formycon is making a major contribution towards providing as many patients as possible with access to vital and affordable medicines. Formycon currently has four biosimilars in development. Based on its extensive experience in the development of biopharmaceutical drugs, the company is also working on the development of antibody-based COVID-19 compounds.

Contact:
Sabrina Müller
Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
Formycon AG
Fraunhoferstr. 15
82152 Martinsried/Planegg/Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 89 - 86 46 67 149
Fax + 49 (0) 89 - 86 46 67 110
Sabrina.Mueller@formycon.com // www.formycon.com

Disclaimer:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements and information which are based on our current expectations and certain assumptions. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, performance of the company, development of the products and the estimates given here. Such known and unknown risks and uncertainties comprise, among others, the research and development, the regulatory approval process, the timing of the actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities, clinical results, changes in laws and regulations, product quality, patient safety, patent litigation, contractual risks and dependencies from third parties. With respect to pipeline products, Formycon AG does not provide any representation, warranties or any other guarantees that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially exploitable and/or successful. Formycon AG assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to correct them in case of developments which differ from those anticipated. This document neither constitutes an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of Formycon AG. No public offering of securities of Formycon AG will be made nor is a public offering intended. This document and the information contained therein may not be distributed in or into the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other jurisdictions, in which such offer or such solicitation would be prohibited. This document does not constitute an offer for the sale of securities in the United States.

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