RBT (BioTechnology Development), a Biotech company, conducted preclinical studies of the effect of the new immunomodulating drug Betusfera on the immune system when administered intramuscularly and systemically. The research took place at the Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology of Sechenov University.
The resulting research showed that the Betusfera enhances the activity of the immune system to fight acute viral infections, and increases macrophage activity, which is important for people with reduced immunity. RBT has planned a second phase animal study to evaluate the intranasal formulation of the drug.
According to RBT Director Igor Viktorovich Krasilnikov: "Betusfera is a spherical virus-like particle derived from natural material - betulin. RBT uses Betusfera as an adjuvant for the development of antiviral vaccine candidates based on surface recombinant proteins. Previously, we showed that Betusfera is safe and increases the immunogenicity of vaccines several times. Now we are assessing the possibilities of using and further registering Betusfera not only as a component of vaccines, but also as an immunomodulator, a therapeutic agent for various immunodeficiency conditions and acute respiratory infections. Preclinical studies with intramuscular administration have already shown their potential. The next stage of research is aimed at studying the protective properties of Betusfera when administered intranasally (in the form of drops), which will open the market for pharmacy medicines."
The global market for immunomodulators in 2022 amounted to USD 125.4 bln. It is expected to reach USD 235.6 bln by 2032, and the revenue annual average growth rate will amount to 7.5% during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases and demand for biopharmaceuticals, as well as increasing public awareness about the benefits of immunomodulators in the treatment of several diseases are the major factors driving the growth of market revenues. In the Russian Federation in 2022, the market volume of immunomodulators amounted to more than RUB 30 bln.
RBT is a company of the Artgen Biotech group (MOEX: ABIO), a resident of Skolkovo and Technopark Medtech. With the support of industrial partner Artgen Biotech and its ecosystem, RBT is elaborating a platform for the development of antiviral vaccines based on surface recombinant proteins and spherical adjuvant particles. Previously, this platform was used to develop vaccines against coronavirus Betuvax-Kov-2 and influenza - TetraFluBET, as well as a combined pentavalent vaccine against influenza and coronavirus, developed jointly with pharmaceutical holding Nacimbio. RBT's technological platform is aimed at making vaccines less reactogenic and with a minimum of side effects. At the same time, the "protective" properties of vaccines, such as immunogenicity, remain at a high level. The company's portfolio also includes a vaccine against human papilloma virus.
In July 2023, RBT raised RUB 155 mln during a private placement on the Rounds investment platform. Investments will be used to expand the company's development portfolio.