There are more than 1 billion people infected with seasonal influenza annually in the US, according estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This translates to approximately 3 million to 5 million cases of severe illness. The situation has triggered the completion of IND-enabling studies for CC-42344 by Cocrystal Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: COCP). The potent, broad-spectrum PB2 inhibitor could end up being a treatment for seasonal and pandemic influenza A.
Plans are underway to carry out the Phase 1 study with CC-42344, which will happen in Australia. But why Australia, you ask? According to Cocrystal’s CFO and interim co-CEO, James Martin, the Australian government offers generous incentives for clinical studies executed in that country and especially those at the early stages of initiation. Besides, it is on record that such clinical studies have a reputation for generating high-quality data.
The Pressing Need for New Arrivals to Treat Influenza
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. develops novel antiviral therapeutics, and the discovery of the replication machinery of influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and hepatitis C viruses is the primary target. Dr. Sam Lee Cocrystal’s President and interim co-CEO, says the current antiviral therapeutics are not powerful enough. Hence the rising need for more prevailing antiviral therapeutics. Meanwhile, Cocrystal continues to apply unique structure-based technologies and expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs.
Cocrystal’s Inhibitor CDI-45205 is Active against SARS-CoV-2
“We are highly encouraged by these results with CDI-45205 against SARS-CoV-2 and two prominent variants of SARS-CoV-2…” Lee reported.
A study conducted in vitro studies by a third-party laboratory evaluating CDI-45205 demonstrated excellent antiviral activity against both SARS-CoV-2 variants. It was selected as a lead coronavirus development candidate among a group of protease inhibitors in December 2020. The new data from the clinical data is substantial compared to the United Kingdom variant (B.1.1.7) and the South African variant (B.1.351).
Meanwhile, the Cocrystal team is still coming to terms with the sudden death of its Chairman, CEO, and co-founder, Gary Wilcox. The 74-year old possessed a rare mixture of scientific intelligence, business judgment, and personal humility. He had also earned respect throughout the biotechnology community resulting from more than 35years of experience in the industry.