Cocrystal’s Lead COVID-19 Antiviral CDI-45205 Shown to be Active Against SARS-CoV-2 and Two Prominent SARS-CoV-2 Variants
June 14 2021 - 8:30AM
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq:
COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage
biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral
therapeutics that target the replication machinery of influenza
viruses, coronaviruses, hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses,
announces that its lead preclinical SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease
inhibitor CDI-45205 is active against SARS-CoV-2 and two prominent
SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A third-party laboratory contracted by Cocrystal
conducted in vitro studies evaluating the antiviral activity of
CDI-45205 and its analogs in VeroE6-eGFP cells infected with
SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan strain), the United Kingdom variant (B.1.1.7) and
the South African variant (B.1.351). CDI-45205 and its analogs
showed excellent antiviral activity against both SARS-CoV-2
variants, surpassing the activity observed with SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan
strain). Two reference inhibitors including remdesivir, an
FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, and
PF-00835231, another SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitor, were
included in the study as comparators. Results showed CDI-45205 had
excellent antiviral activity against the United Kingdom variant,
with an EC50 of 1.9 uM (remdesivir EC50 0.6 uM; PF-00835231 EC50
>100 uM) and against the South African variant, with an EC50 of
2.5 uM (remdesivir EC50 0.8 uM; PF-00835231 EC50 >100 uM) in the
absence of a P-glycoprotein efflux inhibitor.
“We are highly encouraged by these results with
CDI-45205 against SARS-CoV-2 and two prominent variants of
SARS-CoV-2, and we intend to continue with further testing for
antiviral activity against other emerging variants including the
Indian variant,” said Sam Lee, Ph.D., Cocrystal’s President and
interim co-CEO. “These findings add to the growing body of
preclinical data of CDI-45205. We believe these new data suggest
our protease inhibitor may be an effective treatment of COVID-19
caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. Additionally,
Cocrystal scientists are currently using our proprietary
structure-based drug discovery platform technology to investigate
broad-spectrum oral protease inhibitors and replication inhibitors
for the treatment of COVID-19.”
About CDI-45205In December 2020
Cocrystal announced the selection of CDI-45205 as its lead
coronavirus development candidate among a group of protease
inhibitors obtained under an exclusive license agreement with
Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) announced
earlier in 2020.
CDI-45205 showed good bioavailability in mouse
and rat pharmacokinetic studies via intraperitoneal injection, and
also no cytotoxicity against a variety of human cell lines. The
Company recently demonstrated a strong synergistic effect with
remdesivir. Additionally, a proof-of-concept animal study
demonstrated that daily injection of CDI-45205 exhibited favorable
in vivo efficacy in MERS-CoV-infected mice. Cocrystal has obtained
promising preliminary pharmacokinetic results and is continuing to
further evaluate CDI-45205.
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 coronaviruses
(including SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, hepatitis C viruses 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 future continued testing of CDI-45205 for antiviral
activity against other emerging variants of COVID-19, and our
beliefs related to the effectiveness of CDI-45205 against
SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. 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, the
risks and uncertainties arising from the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on the national and global economy and on our Company,
including supply chain disruptions and our continued ability to
proceed with our programs, including our coronavirus program, our
ability to complete the preclinical and clinical trials of
CDI-45205, the results of such future preclinical and clinical
studies, and general risks arising from clinical trials and more
generally, the development of investigational drugs. Further
information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with
the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2020. 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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