ICO-009 iCo Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: ICO) is pleased to announce that iCo’s
oral Amphotericin B (AmpB) oral formulation “iCo-009” has been published in a leading
journal, The Journal of Infectious Diseases. The article represents the first ever
publication of an oral AmpB eradicating the parasite responsible for Visceral
Leishmaniasis (VL), which affects 12 million people worldwide. Administration of the
highest dose of iCo-009 resulted in 99.8% inhibition of the parasite.
AmpB has for many years been the gold standard for systemic antifungal drugs. AmpB
formulated for IV use remains one of the most effective agents in the treatment of
systemic fungal infections, yet no oral formulations are currently commercially available.
Over the past 50 years, many attempts have been made to formulate AmpB for oral
administration, with limited success. The article indicates that with iCo-009, a selfadministered,
oral formulation of AmpB is attainable.
“This is the first peer-reviewed paper to be published demonstrating eradication of VL
with an oral AmpB formulation”, stated Andrew Rae, iCo’s President & CEO. “We are
excited to be on the forefront of global health by potentially increasing the quality of life
in developing nations. In addition, iCo-009 may benefit immune compromised patients
with cancer, organ transplant recipients, diabetics and HIV/AIDS in developed nations.”
About Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a parasite contracted by approximately 2 million people each year, with
12 million presently infected worldwide, predominantly in the developing world. If left
untreated, Visceral Leishmaniasis can have a fatality rate of 100% within two years
(World Health Organization).