Revive Therapeutics (CSE: RVV) is continuing its efforts into evaluating the uses of Bucillamine, disclosing yesterday an update to its efforts in evaluating the drug for nerve agent exposure while also indicating it intends to examine its potential for the treatment of viral infections such as monkeypox.

Presently, Bucillamine is being studied under a partnership with Defence R&D Canada, an agency of Canada’s Department of National Defence. The ongoing study, which was announced late last year and commenced in early 2024, is examining compounds that can mitigate nerve agent induced brain injury.

Studies have shown that antioxidant compounds could be beneficial in limiting seizure activity and improving the anticonvulsant efficacy of certain drugs. Bucillamine is a more effective antioxidant than those used in prior studies, providing it with the potential for increased efficacy against seizure activity while reducing the anticoagulant and bleeding liability observed with other antioxidants.

Research under that study is now anticipated to be completed in October.

The potential treatment of viral infections

The results from the study being conducted by Defence R&D Canada is expected to determine what future studies will be conducted on Bucillamine. Revive has suggested that it intends to explore the potential of the drug for treating viral infections, including monkeypox (Mpox).

The potential for treating viral infections such as Mpox is based on a study published two years ago, which made a link between the use of antioxidants and the improved of virus-induced effects, and the reduction of viral replication yield. Strong antioxidants, such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), have been shown to reduce symptoms in respiratory viral infections in both animals and humans, which is largely attributed to the donation of thiols which increases antioxidant activity.

Bucillamine meanwhile has two thiol groups, which is said to be 16 times more potent as a thiol donor in vivo than NAC, suggesting that Bucillamine may be a candidate for the treatment or the reduction of symptoms related to Mpox. Revive however has not made any expressed or implied claims in the ability of Bucillamine to treat Mpox or other infectious diseases.

Revive Therapeutics last traded at $0.015 on the CSE.

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