Viral proteins x neuraminidase

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ChemDiv Inc., dedicated to partnering in discovery and development of breakthrough therapies based on its unique chem-bio platforms, announces successful completion of Phase I clinical trials for AV5124, an innovative influenza virus replication inhibitor being developed by Viriom Inc. (Viriom). AV5124 is an extremely effective inhibitor of influenza virus RNA processing that is potent against all tested influenza types including viruses resistant to neuraminidase inhibitors (Tamiflu®) or cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors (Xofluza®). Together, Viriom and ChemDiv showcase AV5124's potent suppression of diverse Influenza A and Influenza B viruses, including drug-resistant variants and highly pathogenic avian influenza strains. The completion of Phase I clinical trials stands as a testament to AV5124's remarkable safety and tolerability. Blood drug levels achieved in the study indicate sustained and potent virus suppression over several days, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of an effective therapy for seasonal or pandemic influenza. About ChemDiv: ChemDiv is dedicated to partnering in the discovery and development of breakthrough therapies based on its unique chem-bio platforms: molecular glues, stabilizers and degraders; covalent and non-covalent binders; bifunctional molecules for synergistic effect and synthetic lethality. Over the past 32 years, ChemDiv has successfully completed hundreds of leads, candidate and new drug programs to treat cancer, neurological, infectious, cardiometabolic and immune diseases with partners globally. Learn more at . About Viriom Inc. Viriom Inc. is at the forefront of advancing a pipeline of effective and affordable treatments for diseases of global interest. With a robust network of partners, Viriom is building a global drug development platform targeting infectious and malignant diseases. The company focuses on blood-borne and respiratory viral diseases, as well as cancers for which effective therapies are not available. Learn more at For further information, please contact: Bill Farley CEO of ChemDiv Bfarley@chemdiv.com SOURCE ChemDiv

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Viriom Inc., dedicated to advancing a pipeline of highly effective and broadly affordable treatments targeting infectious and malignant diseases globally, announces the successful completion and positive results of Phase I clinical trial for AV5124, a novel inhibitor of influenza virus replication. AV5124 is an extremely effective inhibitor of influenza virus RNA processing that is potent against all tested influenza types including viruses resistant to neuraminidase inhibitors (Tamiflu®) or cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors (Zoflusa®). The recently concluded Phase I clinical studies demonstrated remarkable safety and tolerability of AV5124. Blood drug levels achieved in this study are consistent with potent virus suppression for several days after a single oral exposure. The excellent safety profile and known potency of AV5124 against influenza virus supports advancing this compound into Phase II-III efficacy studies that will begin during this year's influenza season. Laboratory studies supporting the development of AV5124 showed extremely potent suppression of all tested Influenza A and Influenza B viruses, including drug-resistant variants. AV5124 is also a potent inhibitor of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses circulating in nature, indicating the potential for seasonal or pandemic influenza treatment, and for pandemic preparedness. This advance in the development of influenza virus therapy underscores Viriom's dedication to advancing treatments that address the evolving challenges of influenza and other infectious or malignant diseases. About Viriom Inc. Viriom Inc. is at the forefront of advancing a pipeline of effective and affordable treatments for diseases of global interest. With a robust network of partners, Viriom is building a global drug development platform targeting infectious and malignant diseases. The company focuses on blood-borne and respiratory viral diseases, and cancers for which effective therapies are not available. Viriom's mission encompasses the goal of broadening access to new therapies for developed and developing countries. The company's commitment to global health extends beyond borders, ensuring that groundbreaking antiviral treatments, such as Avifavir, Elpida and AV5124, contribute to improving health outcomes worldwide. For media inquiries, please contact: Elena Kurdina Administrative Director 301.287.2023 [email protected] SOURCE Viriom Inc.

“We are taking measures to continuously evaluate and judiciously allocate this capital to maximize value for our shareholders,” Vir's CEO explained. Vir Biotechnology is narrowing its focus. Sitting on $1.9 billion, the infectious disease specialist has decided to stop work on its innate immunity small-molecule platform as part of its efforts to “judiciously allocate” its capital. San Francisco-based Vir was already primarily focused on biologics, making its name through work on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody Xevudy and advancing a pipeline featuring other modalities including T-cell vaccines and siRNAs. But small molecules were in the mix, too, with the biotech identifying the modality as part of its plans for a multi-respiratory hepatitis B cure and response to COVID-19. Now, just months into her tenure as CEO, Marianne De Backer, Ph.D., has pulled the plug on the small-molecule work. De Backer explained the decision to discontinue innate immunity small-molecule work and focus on Vir’s antibody platform on a quarterly results call with investors. “We are taking measures to continuously evaluate and judiciously allocate this capital to maximize value for our shareholders,” De Backer said. “ As part of this process and under my leadership, we made the decision to phase out our small molecule platform. This is the first step as we continue to advance our core capabilities and scientific programs.”  Vir decided to stop work on the small-molecule platform last month. July at the company was defined by the failure of the influenza A-neutralizing monoclonal antibody candidate VIR-2482 in a midphase clinical trial. The setback sent Vir’s stock down 40%. Phil Pang, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer at Vir, discussed the failed trial on the second-quarter results conference call, telling investors that, while the team is still analyzing the data, it is “not going to be embarking on a phase 3.” Vir retains an interest in flu, though. Attention now turns to VIR-2981, a preclinical candidate that covers influenza A and B, differentiating it from the failed program. “In some animal models, it has shown markedly greater potency,” Pang said. “Because VIR-2981 has a different mechanism of action, targeting the enzymatic activity of the neuraminidase, not the stem of a hemagglutinin, we believe in its potential to prevent influenza illness.”