Breaking Ground in Shingles Treatment: Wintermute Biomedical Advances to Clinical Trials
In a groundbreaking development, Wintermute Biomedical has received ethics approval to initiate a Phase Ib Clinical Trial for its revolutionary therapy, Solexan™, aimed at alleviating the pain and accelerating the healing process in patients suffering from shingles.
This pivotal moment marks Wintermute Biomedical's transition from a pre-clinical research-focused company to one actively engaged in clinical trials. The trial, strategically based in Australia, will take advantage of the country's Research and Development (R&D) Tax Offset, allowing Wintermute to claim 43.5% of research funds, providing crucial financial support for this innovative endeavor.
The Phase Ib trial, set to commence patient recruitment in January 2024, will include 30 shingles patients in Melbourne, Australia. Maxwell Medical, renowned for its commitment to advancing medical research, will serve as the trial site. More information about Maxwell Medical can be found on their website: Maxwell Medical.
The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Solexan™ while also gauging its efficacy in reducing shingles pain and accelerating lesion healing. The anticipated completion time for the trial is approximately 12 months.
Dr. Alyce Mayfosh, Wintermute Biomedical's Chief Scientific Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the trial, stating, "This marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide a breakthrough treatment for individuals suffering from shingles. The potential impact of Solexan™ on improving the lives of shingles patients cannot be overstated."
Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), affects about 1 million people in the United States every year. With few targeted therapies available on the market that also significantly address shingles pain, Solexan™ holds the promise of revolutionizing shingles treatment. Wintermute Biomedical's commitment to advancing from pre-clinical research to clinical trials underscores its dedication to addressing unmet medical needs and making a tangible impact on patient lives.
For more information on shingles, please visit the CDC website: CDC Shingles Information.