Isolation of bioactive proteins from natural product extracts

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

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 include our report of fast-dissolving formulations of the protein griffithsin (GRFT) which showed in vivo activity against SHIV, HSV-2 and HPV,18 the expression of GRFT in rice with two other microbicide candidates17 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 PCMBS Project 2 is the fact that two Phase I clinical trials of different versions of the protein GRFT have now been successfully completed one of which whose results have been published. We continue these collaborations to help advance 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 have been initiated.