#Laurus_labs
This may not be the right time to tweet. However, I'm sharing this because, I believe it is a significant info every investor should know.
Disclaimer: Not a buy/sell recommendation.
This may not be the right time to tweet. However, I'm sharing this because, I believe it is a significant info every investor should know.
Disclaimer: Not a buy/sell recommendation.
As everyone know, ARV API has been the cash cow of Laurus labs. (They are reducing the dependence on ARV API) They generate significant portion of revenue from anti-retroviral API which are used in the treatment of AIDS.
There has always been attempts to develop vaccine against HIV. Past attempts were unsuccessful, yet couple of new clinical trials look promising. (Moderna's mRNA based vaccine is one of them.They are also in very early stages, to comment)
But now, all new first in human, CRISPR based approach by Excision Bio to genetically modify the HIV genome inside the human body to cure AIDS appears groundbreaking.
USFDA has given the nod to start clinical trials testing CRISPR gene editing as a treatment for HIV.
USFDA has given the nod to start clinical trials testing CRISPR gene editing as a treatment for HIV.
bit.ly
Why this looks groundbreaking to me is, because they were successful in eliminating HIV on multiple animal models including humanized mice and non human primates, that too with a one-time dose. This is the first time HIV is cured on an animal model.
Why this looks groundbreaking to me is, because they were successful in eliminating HIV on multiple animal models including humanized mice and non human primates, that too with a one-time dose. This is the first time HIV is cured on an animal model.
#author-informationhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-10366-y" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">nature.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Talking about CRISPR-cas9,it is a nobel prize winning(2020) discovery,1st found in bacteriae,through which they avoid virus(bacteriophage)infection.
CRISPR are DNA fragments(with specific sequence) which the bacteriae collects from the viruses that previously infected them.
CRISPR are DNA fragments(with specific sequence) which the bacteriae collects from the viruses that previously infected them.
Based on these CRISPR sequence bacteriae develops complimentary RNA sequence (guide RNA) which can attach to the target sequence.
When it encounters the target sequence,guide RNA will attach to it and cas9 enzyme cleaves both the DNA strands at that site.
When it encounters the target sequence,guide RNA will attach to it and cas9 enzyme cleaves both the DNA strands at that site.
Coming to excision bio's approach,they use 2 guide RNA to cut 3 sites of HIV genome making deletion of large portion of HIV genome. This deletion of large portion of HIV genome makes it unique with no probability of escape. They have demonstrated it on animal models.
There has been similar gene editing studies in the past which were unsuccessful. Difference here is, instead of making a single cut in viral sequence, excision bio is making 2 or more cuts which thus delete a very large portion of HIV genome.
youtu.be
youtu.be
Safety is a major factor.They should demonstrate there is no 'off target effects'.If cas9 cuts DNA other than it's target,it can cause side effects.On preclinical studies,there was no off target effects.This is promising and point towards a likely successful human clinical trial.
If you are curious to know more about excision bio's approach, check this interview of Daniel Dornbusch(CEO of Excision Bio) by ARK Invest
youtu.be
youtu.be
This new approach looks groundbreaking to me.This may take 4-5 years to reach commercial stage. (If efficacy and safety is proven, accelerated approval can occur given it's spectacular benefit). If it is found successful, it can replace the current anti-retroviral therapy.
The problem with Anti-retroviral therapy is, it is life-long treatment,with lots of side effects. CRISPR approach can avoid all these by providing a cure with one time treatment.
Therefore a shift from chronic ARV treatment to CRISPR based one time approach can happen in future
Therefore a shift from chronic ARV treatment to CRISPR based one time approach can happen in future
This is a great risk for Laurus probably after a few years. By that time,Laurus may reduce it's dependence on ARV API. Still, it is a risk.
However I'm positive on the future of Laurus Bio & CDMO segments.
It's worth monitoring the risk.
I may be wrong,you do your homework.
However I'm positive on the future of Laurus Bio & CDMO segments.
It's worth monitoring the risk.
I may be wrong,you do your homework.
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