Squalamine(MSI-1256) is an aminosterol compound with potent broad spectrum antiviral activity. IC50 value: Target: in vitro: squalamine can strongly displace membrane-bound cationic proteins such as Rac1, a ρ-GTPase recruited to the inner leaflet of the eukaryotic cytoplasmic membrane for the actin remodeling necessary for endocytosis. At concentrations between 20 and 60 μg/mL, squalamine has been shown to inhibit a broad array of growth factor-induced, actin-dependent responses in endothelial cells, including cell migration, cell division, and vascular tube formation in a 3D matrix [1]. Squalamine effectively inhibited HBV replication in human primary hepatocytes when added either during the initial exposure of virus to the cells or at 24 h after infection. A similar study was performed to evaluate the effect of squalamine on the replication of HDV. Squalamine was introduced at 20 μg/mL during HDV exposure, and the effects were measured at day 7 when total RNA was extracted and assayed for HDV RNA sequences [1]. in vivo: one time daily treatment with squalamine (15 or 30 mg/kg per d s.c.) was started beginning on day 1 or 2 after viral administration and continuing until day 8 or 9, respectively. Survival was monitored, and animals that remained alive by day 21 were considered cured [1].

• [1]. Zasloff M, et al. Squalamine as a broad-spectrum systemic antiviral agent with therapeutic potential. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Sep 20;108(38):15978-83.

  [2]. Hraiech S, et al. Antibacterial efficacy of inhaled squalamine in a rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2012 Oct;67(10):2452-8.

  [3]. Djouhri-Bouktab L, et al. Squalamine ointment for Staphylococcus aureus skin decolonization in a mouse model. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2011 Jun;66(6):1306-10.