Cocrystal Pharma Selects Lead Compound for Further Development Against Coronaviruses
December 22 2020 - 7:30AM
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP),
(“Cocrystal” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology
company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics,
announces the selection of CDI-45205 as the lead compound for
further development against coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, the
virus that causes COVID-19.
CDI-45205 was one of the broad spectrum protease
inhibitors that were obtained by an exclusive license from Kansas
State University Research Foundation (KSURF) under an agreement
announced in April 2020. That agreement provides Cocrystal with an
exclusive, royalty-bearing license to develop and commercialize
therapeutic, diagnostic and prophylactic products against
coronaviruses, caliciviruses and picornaviruses based on antivirals
discovered by KSURF. The Company believes these protease inhibitors
have the ability to convert the inactive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase
replication enzymes into an active form.
“Following preclinical studies by Cocrystal, we
have selected CDI-45205 as having promising attributes in
combatting a range of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2,” said
Sam Lee, Ph.D., President of Cocrystal. “We see significant
potential for delivering this compound either by injection or
inhalation and for potential use as both a therapeutic and
prophylactic, thereby providing protection to uninfected
individuals who may become exposed. With this selection now made,
we will initiate API synthesis and IND-enabling studies toward
clinical development. In addition to identifying CDI-45205, we have
also applied our proprietary platform technology for developing
additional novel coronavirus inhibitors suitable for oral
administration.”
“We are particularly excited about the approach
of using a protease inhibitor as the basis for a coronavirus
antiviral,” said Gary Wilcox, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Cocrystal. “CDI-45205 was selected from the broad
spectrum protease inhibitors discovered by KSURF that demonstrated
in vitro and in vivo activity in animal models against the viral
pathogens MERS and SARS. Preclinical animal studies of these
coronavirus compounds published in the prestigious medical journal,
Science Translational Medicine (August 19, 2020), showed in vivo
efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in the MERS-CoV mouse
model. Our further testing allowed us to identify a promising
candidate molecule among these compounds for our lead development
program.
“We view our novel approach to developing
antiviral therapeutics as highly complementary to new SARS-CoV-2
vaccines and as important weapons in the ongoing fight against
coronaviruses,” added Dr. Wilcox. “We plan to continue evaluating
proprietary coronavirus antiviral compounds discovered through our
technology platform, including those with potential for oral
delivery.”
Cocrystal’s technology generates a 3-D structure
of inhibitor complexes at near-atomic resolution, which provides
the Company with the ability to identify novel binding sites and
for the rapid turnaround of structural information through highly
automated x-ray data processing and refinement. By utilizing this
technology, Cocrystal is able to develop compounds that
specifically target enzymes that are essential for viral
replication. The Company is currently leveraging its unique
structure-based technologies to develop antiviral drugs for
seasonal and pandemic influenza, hepatitis C, coronaviruses and
noroviruses.
About Cocrystal Pharma,
Inc.Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage
biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral
therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza
viruses, hepatitis C viruses, coronaviruses and noroviruses.
Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel
Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class
antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please
visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the ability of
CDI-45205 to combat coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and the
expected delivery methods, our beliefs regarding the initiation of
API synthesis and IND-enabling studies, and the expected potential
of CDI-45205 in light of recent development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
The words "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate,"
"intend," "should," "plan," "could," "target," "potential," "is
likely," "will," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate
to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have
based these forward-looking statements largely on our current
expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of
the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not
occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, risks arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on our ability to proceed with our programs, on third parties upon
whom we rely, and on the national and global economy, the further
development of effective treatments and/or vaccines by competitors,
our ability to find and enter into agreements with suitable
collaboration partners the results of preclinical and clinical
studies, and receipt of regulatory approvals. Further information
on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC,
including our Prospectus Supplement dated August 26, 2020 and our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of
the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause
our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it
is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no
obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future developments or
otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Investor Contact:LHA Investor RelationsJody
Cain310-691-7100jcain@lhai.com
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