Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) advances dengue fever battle with promising drug trial results

In a significant stride forward for antiviral therapeutics, Melbourne-based Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) has announced encouraging results from the Phase 2a trial of its lead asset, ISLA-101.

The drug, aimed at tackling dengue fever, showed evidence of anti-dengue activity, along with a clean safety profile, paving the way for the next stage of clinical trials.

Key Highlights:

• Reduction in Viral Load: Subjects treated with ISLA-101 demonstrated a decrease in viral load, confirming the drug’s potential efficacy against dengue.
• Clean Safety Profile: No safety concerns were identified by the Safety Review Committee (SRC), which recommended advancing to the Phase 2b therapeutic cohort.
• Fully Funded Trials: With a recent $3.5 million placement, Island is well-positioned to continue its clinical program without financial hurdles.

A Strategic Approach to a Global Problem

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease affecting millions annually, remains a major unmet medical challenge.

ISLA-101 is a repurposed drug leveraging its established safety profile to expedite development timelines.

The Phase 2a study used a controlled “challenge trial” design, where participants were pre-treated with ISLA-101 before exposure to a weakened dengue virus.

Dr David Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Island Pharmaceuticals, described the milestone as the culmination of years of dedication. “This one stands out as the very reason we started this company. The Safety Review Committee’s unanimous recommendation to proceed is incredibly positive and reflects the drug’s potential to address a critical global health need,” he said.

The Road Ahead

The upcoming Phase 2b cohort aims to evaluate ISLA-101’s ability to reduce symptoms in individuals already infected with dengue, shifting the focus from prevention to treatment.

This dual approach enhances the drug’s market potential and its utility in real-world settings.

Stephen Thomas, MD, a member of Island’s Scientific Advisory Board, underscored the importance of this progress.

“Completing the SRC review process was a crucial step. Moving to the therapeutic phase is promising and marks a big step towards better understanding ISLA-101’s potential to impact dengue disease,” he noted.

A Competitive Edge in Drug Development

Island’s reliance on challenge trials—where participants are exposed to a controlled infection—offers a cost-effective, rapid method to generate robust data.

This strategy, combined with a focus on repurposing, sets the company apart in a crowded field of antiviral drug development.

Moreover, should ISLA-101 gain FDA approval, Island stands to benefit from a Priority Review Voucher, a valuable asset that could expedite future drug approvals or be sold in secondary markets.

As Island prepares to submit its SRC report to the US FDA, expectations are high for the Phase 2b trial to commence in early 2025.

With its innovative approach, strong safety data, and strategic funding, Island Pharmaceuticals is positioning itself as a key player in the global fight against vector-borne diseases.

This progress, while still early-stage, signals hope for millions living in dengue-endemic regions.

For now, Island’s story is one of innovation, determination, and the promise of making a tangible difference.