Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) is thrilled to announce that they have been granted approval from the Australian Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial for their novel, oral, broad-spectrum 3CL protease inhibitor CDI-988 as a potential treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This exciting development marks a positive step forward in the search for a viable treatment option for this highly contagious virus.
Cocrystal Pharma has developed an investigational drug called CDI-988 which has proven to be extremely powerful in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, while showing an impressive safety and pharmacokinetic profile. To further investigate its potential to help in the fight against the global pandemic, the company has launched a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of this drug candidate, which is supported by daily oral dosing.
We are delighted to have achieved this significant milestone and eagerly anticipate starting our CDI-988 clinical program as an oral treatment for those suffering from COVID-19, as well as showcasing our state-of-the-art drug discovery platform technology.
CDI-988 has been created to secure a consistently maintained part of coronavirus to other viral proteases. Our preclinical studies have also revealed that CDI-988 exhibits pan-viral activity against multiple RNA viruses, thus providing further potential clinical advantages. We are still exploring this pan-viral activity.
Australia is the perfect choice for conducting high-quality, cost-effective studies. The nation’s governing body has simple and straightforward policies in place when it comes to early-stage clinical testing, plus, attractive financial incentives from the government make the country even more attractive. To back this up, we already have an Australian subsidiary and a local contract research organization ready and waiting – a foundation built during our Phase 1 influenza A study.
About SARS-CoV-2
Cocrystal is working to develop a revolutionary treatment for all illnesses caused by coronaviruses, from the common cold, to SARS and now COVID-19. By targeting the viral proteins, Cocrystal hopes to create an antiviral that can not only treat life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, but also protect individuals from contracting the virus in the first place. This could prove to be a major breakthrough in stopping the spread of this highly contagious virus and saving countless lives in the process.
About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is revolutionizing virus-fighting with its cutting-edge antiviral technologies, developed by Nobel Prize-winning experts. The company is uncovering and engineering treatments that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. As a clinical-stage biotechnology venture, Cocrystal is leading the way in creating first- and best-in-class drugs to help tackle some of the toughest viruses plaguing humanity.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Our company is excited to announce the initiation of a Phase 1 study for CDI-988, a promising product candidate that promises to offer potential efficacy and clinical benefits. However, the success of this study is contingent upon a variety of factors, including inflation, interest rate changes, the global banking crisis, possible recession, war in Ukraine, and delays or shortages due to labor issues.
Additionally, the virus CDI-988 intends to target could potentially mutate, creating a variant that is resistant to our product. In spite of these risks, we remain confident in the potential of our product candidate and committed to pursuing its development to deliver the best possible outcomes.