Sepcidin™, currently in lead optimization, is a novel intravenous therapeutic for sepsis and septic shock as well as viral hemorrhagic fever caused by such pathogens as Ebola and Marburg viruses. Just as with Fludase^®, it is directed at the human host rather than any specific pathogen. Whereas Fludase^® removes the host receptors to which pathogenic viruses would otherwise bind and gain entry to the body, Sepcidin™ works on human host responses to pathogenic viruses and severe illness, and treats the patient by modifying those responses. Sepcidin™ leads are proteins and all possess excellent stability. Data from multiple animal models demonstrate activity against sepsis, Ebola virus, and influenza virus. NexBio is continuing Sepcidin™ lead optimization.

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever is a severe, often-fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates that has appeared sporadically since its initial recognition in 1976. It is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it was first recognized. The virus is one of two members of a family of RNA viruses called the Filoviridae.  This scanning electron micrograph above depicts a number of Ebola virions.