Article Co-authored by Spotlight Innovation Research Collaborator Describes Small Molecule Drugs with In-vivo Efficacy Against Zika Virus Infection
URBANDALE, IA, June 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spotlight Innovation Inc. (OTCQB: STLT), a pharmaceutical company targeting rare, emerging and neglected diseases, today announced that Company research collaborator and Scientific Advisory Board member Professor Hengli Tang has co-authored an article, published in Cell Discovery on June 5, 2018, reporting potent antiviral activity and in-vivo efficacy of two small molecule drugs (emetine and cephaeline) against Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.
The article is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-018-0034-1.
“These small molecule compounds may prove to be viable drug candidates, and we are excited that Professor Tang and his collaborators continue to advance the field of anti-ZIKV therapies,” said Geoffrey Laff, Ph.D., Spotlight Innovation's Senior Vice President of Business Development.
Funding provided by Spotlight Innovation under a Sponsored Research Agreement with Florida State University is enabling Tang and his collaborators to expand on their discoveries and to accelerate the development of safe and effective drugs to treat patients infected with ZIKV. Spotlight Innovation has obtained from the Florida State University Research Foundation exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize certain compounds for the treatment of viral infections, including Zika virus infection.
About Spotlight Innovation Inc.
Spotlight Innovation Inc. (OTCQB: STLT) acquires and develops proprietary therapies to address unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on rare, emerging and neglected diseases. The Company identifies in-licensing opportunities and manages product development through partnerships with universities, medical schools, contract research organizations (CROs), and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). At the appropriate stage of research and development the Company will endeavor to pursue product commercialization opportunities including, but not limited to, out-licensing and strategic partnerships with industry leaders. For more information, visit www.spotlightinnovation.com or www.twitter.com/spotlightinno.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include statements regarding Spotlight Innovation’s efforts to develop and commercialize its various therapies, and to achieve its stated benchmarks. Actual outcomes and actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties, such as: the inability to finance the planned development of the therapies; the inability to hire appropriate staff to develop the therapies; unforeseen technical difficulties in developing the therapies; the inability to obtain regulatory approval for human use; competitors’ proving to be more effective, cheaper or otherwise more preferable; or, the inability to market a product. All of which could, among other things, delay or prevent product release, as well as other factors expressed from time to time in Spotlight Innovation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with Spotlight Innovation’s periodic filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release and Spotlight Innovation undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Press Contact: Spotlight Innovation Inc. Rene Erickson 1-515-274-9087 [email protected]
Released June 12, 2018