Zentek Ltd. (Nasdaq: ZTEK; TSX Venture: ZEN), through its subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd., reports promising initial results in developing a prophylaxis and therapeutic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 using advanced multivalent aptamer technology.5147
H5N1 Outbreak Concerns
The H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, ongoing since 2020, poses significant risks. The virus has spread to U.S. livestock and appeared in the milk supply, prompting warnings from the World Health Organization. Experts highlight its potential for severe pandemics, with historical human mortality rates up to 52 percent. Millions of poultry have died, alongside infections in wild birds and mammals.51
Aptamer Technology Advances
Triera selected a universal aptamer targeting influenza viruses, including H5N1. Tests at McMaster University’s Li Lab show binding affinity exceeding that of the SARS-CoV-2 aptamer, which outperformed leading monoclonal antibodies in animal studies. The aptamer neutralizes multiple hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes, blocking viral entry into cells.
Lead candidates exhibit sub-nanomolar affinity to the H5 protein, confirmed via dot blot and biolayer interferometry. Proprietary multivalent technology produced therapeutic and prophylactic prototypes. Triera filed a provisional patent for the influenza-targeting aptamer.51
Development Timeline
In vivo testing begins immediately at the Miller Laboratory to evaluate neutralization and efficacy. Results will refine candidates for preclinical trials. Triera aims to create an integrated system combining diagnostics, prophylaxis, and therapeutics based on the same aptamer.
Leadership Insights
Greg Fenton, CEO of Zentek and Triera, stated, “Our aptamer platform technology has produced robust safety and efficacy results using Covid as a proof of concept. With the mechanism of neutralizing the H5N1 virus very comparable to that which neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, we are confident we can further prove out our platform’s ability to more rapidly respond to outbreaks compared to traditional treatments.”
Dr. Matthew Miller, Triera advisor and Canada Research Chair in Viral Pandemics, added, “Triera’s decision to prioritize avian influenza is sound. This aptamer solution could radically reduce the impact from a pandemic outbreak in a timely and efficient manner.”51
Company Profiles
Triera Biosciences holds an exclusive worldwide license from McMaster University for aptamer and DNAzyme technologies developed in collaboration with the Li Lab, spanning 20 years.
Zentek Ltd., an ISO 13485:2016 certified firm, develops innovative products in antimicrobials and aptamer platforms. Its ZenGUARD™ technology enhances filtration in masks and HVAC systems.
