Camellix, a start up biotechnology company partly owned by Augusta University (AU), and being advised by Chief Outsiders, develops novel products based on polyphenols derived from plants, today announced that as part of its NIH-funded research and development, the company has determined a polyphenol molecule EC16 in specific nasal formulations likely will be effective against Long-COVID associated neurologic symptoms such as loss of smell and brain fog. This ailment can include mild to serious problems with thinking, concentration, memory, and headaches.

“We’ve found a polyphenol molecule suitable for combating Long-COVID. Our in vitro data suggests it could be a novel treatment for millions of people struggling with Long-COVID symptoms, but only if we can prove the formulations in clinical studies,” said Camellix’s founder and CEO, Dr. Stephen Hsu, PhD, who is currently Professor of Oral Biology and Oral Health & Diagnostic Sciences at the Dental College of Georgia at AU. “That’s why we need one or more Pharma partners to help us cross the proverbial finish line.”

Green tea polyphenols are natural bioactive compounds—phytochemicals—which are known for their antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that one of the polyphenols, EGCG, inhibits the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to host-cell receptor ACE2, which prevents viral entry into the host cell, and inhibits viral RNA replication and protein processing, according to the NIH. EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) is also known for its neuroprotective properties. A more stable and potent form of EGCG is EGCG-palmitate, also referred to as EC16.

In support of Camellix’s new drug development, the NIH (National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, NIDCD) has funded this initiative with a grant to develop nasal applications for clinical studies. As a next step the researchers seek to partner with a major pharmaceutical company to provide matching funds to initiate pre-IND research in exchange for a right of first refusal to bring this new drug to the clinical studies.

“We’ve been developing cutting edge green tea technology to improve people’s lives for many years and this exciting new drug project is the latest iteration,” said Hsu, who is also a celebrated TED Talk presenter. “We have composition patents protecting the use of EC16 (an FDA classified food additive component and an EPA approved safe inert), which is known to have a broad spectrum of antiviral activities. Combined with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, it’s logical that it would also yield benefits for Long-COVID relief and prevention. Earlier we brought to market successful green tea-based products (MighTeaFlow Dry Mouth relief and AverTeaX Cold Sore relief lines) based on EGCG and EC16 technology. We believe we can do the same here to fight brain Long-COVID.”

According to the CDC, more than 40% of adults in the United States have had COVID-19 already and up to 23.7 million are currently struggling with Long-COVID symptoms today. The economic impact of Long-COVID is associated with $50 billion in lost wages per year, and one million workers calling sick each day due to Long-COVID. The prevalence of Long-COVID is expected to grow exponentially going forward in the world due to the neuroinvasion of the virus.

Camellix recently announced the engagement of Chief Outsiders to lead the search for a Pharma partner. Chief Outsiders is the country’s leading provider of Chief Marketing Officers as a service and has worked with over 1,500 companies to bring new products to market and accelerate growth. The engagement will be led by partners Paul Sparrow and Joe Grace both of whom have over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry.

More detail on the research data can be found here.