Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) is a promising technology platform. It is well-characterized, and shows broad-spectrum activity. PPCM is being tested in Phase 1 real-world application for contraception, and offers the potential for additional complementary anti-infective applications - a multi-purpose upside for investors. PPCM is affordable, globally-scaleable, and de-risked through years of testing. PPCM has the potential to solve real-world problems, “here-and -now.”
As a contraceptive, PPCM causes sperm to immediately lose the acrosome. Since the acrosome releases enzymes such as hyaluronidase upon contacting the ovum, facilitating fertilization, no acrosome, no enzymes and thus no fertilization. PPCM is not strictly a spermicide because it does not injure cells, including sperm – it simply renders sperm infertile. PPCM does not affect lactobacillus, is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to be safe in oral and intravenous acute toxicology as well as repeated-dose topical irritation studies.
As an antimicrobial, PPCM interferes with attachment and fusion of virus to specific receptor sites on the host cell, as well as interfering with entry. In vitro studies indicate PPCM significantly inhibits herpes simplex, including drug resistant HSV-1, bovine papilloma virus, HIV, SARS-CoV2 and Ebola virus infections. PPCM is a nanoscale polymer (~2–4 nm hydrodynamic size) whose antiviral activity derives from interactions at the nanometer scale. PPCM selectively coats and masks HSV glycoproteins (~10 nm), preventing viral attachment and fusion with epithelial cells.
PPCM is also highly effective against gonorrhea. All 11 strains of gonorrhea tested, including drug resistant isolates, were inhibited invitro. Mouse studies demonstrated rapid and complete protection. Data suggests future drug products to prevent and possibly treat gonorrhea.
