Isolation of bioactive proteins from natural product extracts

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Our efforts have led to the discovery of several classes of bioactive proteins as well as publications on their potential activity. This research has also led to 34 patents overall and significant interest for our discoveries from different licensees. Recent papers of particular interest were our report of fast-dissolving inserts of a formulated product of the protein griffithsin (GRFT) which showed in vivo activity against SHIV, HSV-2 and HPV18; the expression of GRFT in rice with two other microbicide candidates which led to a new patent filing, and the discovery of a new class of cyclic peptides called Tyr-Lock peptides which also led to a new patent. Additional evidence for the success of this project is the fact that two Phase I clinical trials of different versions of the protein GRFT have now been successfully completed for one of which, the results have been submitted for publication. We continue our collaborations with both groups to help further progress GRFT-based products through the clinic. Finally, two additional Phase I clinical trials of nasal formulations of the QGRFT mutant protein for use against SARS-CoV-2 are also nearing initiation.