Patent Acquisition for 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) in the Treatment of COVID-19
04/08/2022
Announcement of Patent Grant (Patent Grant) for 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) for Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19
We are pleased to announce that Nagasaki University*1 (1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki City, President: Shigeru Kawano; hereinafter “Nagasaki University”) and NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd.*2 (6-2-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Satoshi Kawada; hereinafter “NPJ”) have obtained a patent for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA).
【Patent Details】
Publication Number: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-8060(P2022-8060A)
Title of Invention: Agent for Treatment and/or Prevention of Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19)
Publication Date: January 13, 2022 (2022.1.13)
【Overview】
COVID-19, which was first reported in December 2019, is a novel pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. As a result of rapid increases in patient numbers worldwide, over 150,000 deaths have been reported. In Japan, the spread of COVID-19 has been observed since early 2020, and various research institutions have been conducting studies on the virus causing COVID-19.
Until now, Professor Kiyoshi Kita, Head of the Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health at Nagasaki University, and NPJ have been focusing on the functionality of 5-ALA in developing treatments for malaria. In the process, they anticipated the effects of 5-ALA against SARS-CoV-2 and started research on COVID-19.
As a result, they demonstrated that 5-ALA powerfully inhibits the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells. This antiviral effect was observed without significant cytotoxicity in both human and non-human cells*4 and has been confirmed against various variants, including the Delta variant*5. Recently, concentration-dependent inhibitory effects against the Omicron variant were confirmed in cell-based tests*6. Utilizing these joint research results, a patent application was filed and has now been granted. It is expected that 5-ALA will be used as a material for tackling COVID-19 in the future.
【Glossary】
*1 Nagasaki University
Nagasaki University is a national comprehensive university established in 1949. The campus was relocated and integrated in the 1950s and 60s, with the Sakamoto Campus now housing the Medical School, Dental School, Nagasaki University Hospital, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine. Nagasaki University is known for its exceptional achievements in tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and radiation medical science due to its geographical and historical background, holding a rich accumulation of research and a strong lineup of researchers in the field of infectious diseases, making it a leading educational and research base for infectious diseases both domestically and internationally.
*2 NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd.
NeoPharma Japan Co., Ltd. was established as a joint venture between Neopharma LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and neo ALA Co., Ltd. (formerly Cosmo ALA Co., Ltd.). The NeoPharma Group is an international pharmaceutical company with headquarters in the UAE, engaged in the manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals primarily in emerging markets in the Middle East. NeoPharma Japan plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector of Neopharma LLC’s global strategy. Additionally, NeoPharma Japan is advancing research and development using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for various applications, thereby creating new value for the entire group.
https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/
*3 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)
Humans, animals, and plants maintain their vital functions by producing energy within cellular organelles called mitochondria. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) plays a crucial role in the functioning of mitochondria. 5-ALA ultimately converts into a substance called “heme” within the mitochondria. Heme is an essential component of “cytochromes,” proteins necessary for energy production. Furthermore, 5-ALA has been safely used in health foods, cosmetics, pet supplements, feed, and fertilizer for over a decade. 5-ALA has also been approved as a diagnostic drug for visualizing brain tumors and bladder cancer in the field of cancer. Additionally, 5-ALA is known to enhance mitochondrial function, and a phase III clinical trial led by Saitama Medical University is currently underway to investigate its effects on mitochondrial diseases.
http://5ala-journal.com/
*4 February 9, 2021, Press Release
Discovery of Inhibition of Infection by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Virus Caused by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/library/592faa4a16088b6a0b777d96/6022465c38c81ba 70586c2e2.pdf
*5 January 11, 2022, Press Release
Confirmation of Inhibition of Infection by Various Mutant Strains of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Virus Caused by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) https://www.neopharmajp.co.jp/library/592faa4a16088b6a0b777d96/61dcdfc5c4215ad d1045b2cb.pdf
*6 March 5, 2022, 10th Annual Conference of the Porphyrin-ALA Society
Confirmation of Inhibition of Infection by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Omicron Variant Caused by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA); Paper Submitted
