Woburn, Mass. –February 16, 2024– Newsweek Content Creator ‘Investment Reports’ Interviews Dr. Trevor P. Castor on The Future of Aphios and Biotechnology
What is Aphios's core technology and how does it utilize its SuperFluids platform across the biotechnology sector?
Aphios utilizes a unique approach within the biotechnology sector through our versatile SuperFluids platform, enabling innovation across oncology, infectious diseases, and CNS disorders. Our core technology revolves around SuperFluids —non-toxic, natural fluids with enhanced solvation, selection, penetration, and expansion properties. This technology acts as the foundation for our diverse applications, including pathogen reduction technology CFI, which leverages SuperFluids to inactivate pathogens without harmful chemicals, radiation, or heat, thus preserving the biological integrity of materials like vaccines and human proteins. Our application of SuperFluids extends into nanotechnology, where we reverse the pathogen inactivation process to create nanoparticles for drug delivery, such as lipid, polymer and protein nanoparticles. This technique enables the targeted delivery of therapeutics. Additionally, we are pioneering the discovery of new molecules from biological materials, such as medicinal plants and marine organisms, by substituting organic solvents with SuperFluids. This not only allows for selective extraction but also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and recycling SuperFluids in our manufacturing processes.
What inspired the focus on SuperFluids?
The inspiration behind focusing on suprefluids stemmed from my disillusionment with the environmental impacts of the energy sector. Seeking to leverage my expertise towards sustainable and impactful applications, I turned to biotechnology. The use of SuperFluids, particularly carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, emerged as a non-toxic, environmentally friendly solution that could enhance solvent properties without the adverse effects associated with traditional organic solvents. This initiative was also motivated by the global health challenge of blood supply contamination, specifically with pathogens like HIV.
Could you elaborate on the environmental and health motivations behind your technologies?
Our technologies are driven by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and improving health outcomes. The decision to pursue SuperFluids was not only about innovating in biotechnology but also about addressing pressing health concerns, such as HIV contamination in blood supplies, with an environmentally responsible approach. By developing technologies like pathogen inactivation and cell disruption, we aim to reduce waste and environmental impact significantly, reflecting our dedication to not just shifting environmental problems but solving them in a meaningful way.
How close is Aphios to developing technology for removing pathogens from blood?
We are making significant strides towards developing a technology that can purify blood from pathogens, which could revolutionize blood safety and potentially impact blood donation guidelines. We have demonstrated the efficacy of our CFI (critical fluid inactivation) technology against both classes of enveloped and nonenveloped viruses and other pathogens with high retention of biological properties, scalability from units of plasma to continuous flow manufacturing of biologics, and general applicability to plasma, human plasma products, biologics and medical devices. Our current plans are FDA regulatory approval of the technology and products towards commercialization.
What strategy does Aphios employ to combat HIV and other diseases?
Our strategy against HIV and other diseases relies on an innovative combination of therapies and nanotechnology for drug delivery. Our focus is on addressing the challenge of viral latency in HIV, employing a combination therapy approach to effectively deliver drugs and minimize side effects. Understanding the complexity of diseases like HIV, where viruses can remain latent, we are developing a “kick-and-kill” strategy using PKC modulators and HDAC inhibitors, coupled with broadly neutralizing antibodies, to eradicate latent viruses. With a phase two clinical trial already conducted in Spain, we are planning further trials to seek regulatory approval, bringing us closer to realizing this technology’s potential impact. This approach underlines our commitment to tackling difficult health challenges through advanced biotechnology, aiming for a significant impact on patient outcomes and advancing towards curing previously incurable diseases.
What makes Aphios's technology and SuperFluids platform uniquely competitive in the biotechnology sector?
Our technology, centered around SuperFluids, is not inherently beyond the reach of others but is uniquely protected by 88 patents, underscoring our commitment to intellectual property protection. This strategic approach is not about claiming to be exclusively smart but about safeguarding our innovative methods and applications. The essence of our platform’s value lies in its ability to generate products, such as Zindol, being developed for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.This product exemplifies our platform’s efficacy, having shown significant results in phase 2/3 clinical trials, underscoring our ability to create impactful therapies from natural sources like ginger, through our SuperFluids technology.
How does Aphios plan to commercialize its innovations, and what are the prospects for Zindol?
The commercialization strategy for our innovations, including Zindol, involves segmenting them into specific ventures to streamline their path to FDA approval and market entry. Zindol’s development highlights our platform’s capacity to offer natural, effective treatments with fewer side effects, addressing significant needs in areas like hyperemesis in pregnancy and post-operative care. This strategy not only demonstrates our platform’s versatility but also our commitment to improving quality of life through natural and efficacious solutions.
What is Aphios's approach to forming partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies?
Our strategy for engaging with industry giants like Roche, Merck, and Moderna is tailored and selective, focusing on case-by-case partnerships that align with our research and development efforts. For instance, our work on enhancing mRNA therapies through double encapsulation techniques exemplifies our innovative approach to drug delivery, potentially reducing dosing frequencies and improving stability. This technology, promising for a range of mRNA therapies, represents a significant opportunity for collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies, aiming to revolutionize treatment modalities.
Given the current economic challenges in the biotech industry, how do you foresee the market evolving, especially for biotechs?
Despite the current economic downturn affecting the biotech industry, I am optimistic about the market’s recovery, particularly with the impending election year traditionally boosting market dynamics. With inflation decreasing and substantial capital on the sidelines, I anticipate a rebound in tech and biotech sectors, driven by advancements in AI technology and ongoing healthcare innovation. This positive outlook is supported by the industry’s resilience and the potential for significant technological breakthroughs that can attract investment and foster growth.
Is Aphios planning an IPO?
An IPO is on the horizon for Aphios, specifically for the spin-off Zindol, reflecting our strategic approach to capitalizing on our innovative platform and product pipeline.
What motivates you to continue your work in the biotech industry, and what legacy do you hope to leave with your work at Aphios?
My personal motivation after 30 years in the industry remains the patients we aim to help. The drive to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, enhancing their quality of life through our technologies, keeps me engaged and committed to our mission. It is about contributing to society in a way that combines innovation with compassion, striving for a balance between advancing healthcare and ensuring environmental sustainability. My aspiration is to be remembered for contributing to a “tree of life” through pioneering SuperFluids technology, fostering a sustainable and efficient approach to biotechnology that minimizes environmental impact. This vision encapsulates the essence of our work at Aphios, aiming to harmonize our technological advancements with the broader goals of climate control and environmental stewardship, reflecting a commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on both healthcare and the planet.