ColdZyme also blocks omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5
A new study by the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) shows that ColdZyme protects airway epithelia from infection with the widespread omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. This builds upon previous research by the same research group, showing that ColdZyme blocks the original omicron BA.1 variant, which was communicated by Enzymatica in June 2022. The new study is due for publication within the coming months. ColdZyme has now been shown to block 11 respiratory tract viruses and viral sub-variants, including three omicron variants and other coronaviruses.
The research group in Innsbruck used the same in-vitro model as in previous studies, where ColdZyme is applied to fully differentiated, polarized human epithelium. In this model, ColdZyme has now been shown to effectively block respiratory tissue infection from several different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5.
“Despite successful vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, new Omicron subvariants are proven to escape vaccine- and infection-elicited antibodies. It is clear that more immediate interventions are needed to avoid viral transmission and infection. Our results point towards a prophylactic treatment using ColdZyme mouth spray to protect against infection, importantly also demonstrated against the current, highly transmissible BA.4/5 variants. These promising in-vitro results must be clinically evaluated”, said Dr Doris Wilflingseder, professor of infection biology and head of the research group at the MUI.
ColdZyme has now been shown in-vitro to block 11 respiratory tract viruses and viral sub-variants, including 5 different strains of coronavirus.
“This research builds on Enzymatica’s ongoing 5-year research program. Our recently announced rights issue will raise capital for further studies, including clinical studies in which ColdZyme will be tested to confirm fewer episodes and shorter duration of upper respiratory tract infections, as well as viral load reduction in the throat. The start of these additional clinical studies will be announced shortly. Our collective body of in-vitro data shows that ColdZyme has the potential to protect from multiple viruses causing infection, by ColdZyme maintaining the epithelial integrity and significantly reducing viral load. This points to ColdZyme’s potential role as both an infection defense and an inhibitor of active transmission”, said Claus Egstrand, CEO of Enzymatica AB.
ColdZyme is a CE-marked medical device that is sold in Sweden, UK, and Iceland under the ColdZyme brand name, and in around 30 markets under other brands.
The information in this press release is information that Enzymatica is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 11:00 CET on 16 August 2022.
For more information, please contact:
Claus Egstrand, CEO, Enzymatica AB
Phone: +44 7780 22 8385 | Email: claus.egstrand@enzymatica.com
Stefan Olsson, Communication Manager, Enzymatica AB
Phone: +46 708 55 11 85 | Email: stefan.olsson@enzymatica.com
Enzymatica AB is a life science company that develops and sells health products mainly to treat diseases and symptoms in the upper respiratory tract. The products are based on a barrier technology that includes marine enzymes with unique properties. The company’s first product is the medical device product ColdZyme®, a mouth spray for common colds. The product has been launched in about 30 markets on four continents. The strategy is to continue to grow by developing more health products, strengthening the company’s position in existing markets and expanding into new geographic markets through established partners. The company is headquartered in Lund and is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. For more information, please visit www.enzymatica.com.
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