This round of the funding includes $4.4 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and $1 million from the Department of Defense (DoD). To date, Elusys has been awarded more than $20 million from the US government for the development of novel therapeutics to combat bio-terror agents.
In preclinical studies, Anthim has demonstrated efficacy at lower doses than other drugs in development. A single dose of Anthim is 100% effective when administered as a prophylactic (prior to anthrax exposure) and dramatically increases survival rates when given up to 48 hours after exposure. Anthim’s low dose allows for intramuscular delivery, the most effective mode of delivery to both military and civilian personnel in emergency situations.
“The continued support and funding from the Federal Government sends a strong message about the therapeutic potential of Anthim,” said Dr Elizabeth Posillico, president and CEO of Elusys. “This commitment further validates Elusys’ antibody-based science and Heteropolymer technology and reinforces our position as an innovative developer of targeted anti-infective therapies.”
Elusys is developing Anthim under the FDA Animal Efficacy Rule. This rule is specifically designed for the development of medical countermeasures to weapons of mass destruction. According to this rule, for indications in which it would be unethical to conduct efficacy studies in humans (as is the case with anthrax infection), marketing approval may be granted based on the demonstration of efficacy in relevant animal models and successful completion of phase I safety trials in humans.