Natural product for skin care and topical fungal infections

Pomecins™ are Evolva’s proprietary compounds with potential uses as broad spectrum antifungals for consumer healthcare, pharmaceuticals, crop and food protection. The Pomecins™ portfolio includes EV-086 and EV-050, and several other related compounds.

Compound summary

Pomecin A (EV-086) is a potent broad-spectrum small molecule antifungal. It belongs to a new structural class and has a new mechanism of action compared to existing antifungals. Evolva has shown that Pomecin A can be delivered orally, by infusion or topically. Multiple patent applications have been filed regarding the compositions and uses of Pomecin A. Evolva owns all rights to Pomecin A. The treatment of topical fungal infections, notably nail fungus Topical fungal infections are widespread and often refractory to treatment. Particularly prevalent are fungal infections of the nail – causing nail discolouration, thickening and separation from the nail bed. Although not normally life-threatening, these infections can cause pain and social embarrassment in many individuals. Certain risk groups (notably diabetics) have a risk of serious complications. Potential benefits of Pomecin A as a topical antifungal include:

• A very high potency against dermatophytes – thus less compound should be needed to be delivered to the nail bed to achieve a given level of efficacy;
• Fast-acting killing of the fungus (rather than just inhibiting its growth) which may allow shorter dosing regimens, easier compliance and a lower relapse rate;
• An efficacious but safe alternative to existing oral treatments (which potentially can seriously damage the liver);
• Addressing a currently underserved, large patient-population which is highly desirous of effective topical treatments and cosmetic nail improvement.

Progress in skin care and topical applications

A number of potential partners are evaluating the compound for applications in skin care and topical infections, including its topical application for the treatment of nail fungus.

Progress in invasive fungal infections

Studies on Pomecin A have led to the conclusion that the molecule has a shorter half-life in humans than in various animal models and therefore is unlikely to be an efficacious human systemic antifungal. Based on this, we have decided to terminate development in this indication. Work is progressing on certain back up molecules. The utility of Pomecin A in the treatment of topical conditions and infections is unaffected by the systemic half-life discovery and work continues in this indication.