Articles recently were published relevant to Innovation science. They highlight the considerable therapeutic potential of drugs based on Host Defense Proteins (HDPs) and synthetic analogs (or mimics), like Brilacidin, due to unique immunomodulatory mechanisms and robust antibacterial properties.
The studies are linked to below, with the first one co-authored by Richard W. Scott, PhD, a Cellceutix research partner and current Vice President of Research at Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center. Study co-author, Gregory N. Tew, PhD, Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, was also an original researcher involved in the development of Brilacidin.
“Mimics of Host Defense Proteins; Strategies for Translation to Therapeutic Applications.” Current Top Med Chem. 2016 Jul 13. [abstract only]
"Antibiotics in Late Clinical Development." Biochemical Pharmacology (26 September 2016). ("Brilacidin is bactericidal for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and is extraordinary in that it is also bactericidal even for non-replicating bacteria.")
“Novel Insight Into the Role of Antimicrobial (Host Defense) Peptides/Proteins in Human Skin Diseases.” Juntendo Medical Journal. Vol. 62 (2016) No. 2 p. 120-131 [open access]
"Given the broad activity profiles of these smHDPs with anti-bacterial, -fungal, and –parasitic action, including agents with activity across this spectrum, or agents with potent but select antimicrobial activity in one category, the future looks incredibility bright for their continued development."
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27411325