Cocrystal Pharma Highlights its Novel Inhaled and Oral Influenza A Antiviral CC-42344 at the World Vaccine Congress West Coast
November 29 2023 - 8:00AM
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the
“Company”), announces the presentation of favorable data
demonstrating activity of its potent broad-spectrum PB2 inhibitor
CC-42344 against pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains at the
World Vaccine Congress West Coast. Cocrystal has initiated a Phase
2a human challenge trial with oral CC-42344 in the UK in subjects
infected with influenza A, and plans to begin a Phase 1 trial with
inhaled CC-42344 as a potential influenza A treatment and
prophylaxis in Australia in the first half of 2024.
In his presentation, “Taking a new route:
Development of novel inhaled and oral influenza antiviral,
CC-42344,” Cocrystal President and co-CEO Sam Lee, PhD discussed
the potential prevention and therapy of influenza infection using
inhaled CC-42344. Dr. Lee commented that CC-42344 exhibits superior
antiviral activity compared with oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and
demonstrates a novel mechanism of action with high barrier of
resistance. He noted that Cocrystal discovered and developed
CC-42344 utilizing the Company’s proprietary structure-based drug
discovery platform technology, which is proving successful in
delivering multiple broad-spectrum antiviral leads for influenza
and other viral diseases.
“We are excited to accomplish another important
milestone with the influenza antiviral CC-42344. Based on our
recent preclinical data, CC-42344 exhibits superior lung exposure,
a favorable safety profile, and efficacy in influenza-infected
human lung epithelia. We also demonstrated highly efficient
delivery of inhaled CC-42344 into the lung,” he said. “Inhaled
CC-42344 could be developed for both therapeutic and prophylactic
influenza treatment. We are encouraged by this potential
breakthrough influenza treatment option.”
Slides from the presentation are available on
the Company’s website.
About CC-42344 CC-42344 is
specifically designed to be effective against all significant
pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains and to have a high
barrier to resistance due to the way the virus’ replication
machinery is targeted. CC-42344 targets the influenza polymerase,
an essential replication enzyme with several highly essential
regions common to multiple influenza strains. In vitro testing
showed CC-42344’s excellent antiviral activity against influenza A
strains, including pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as
against strains resistant to certain approved influenza antivirals,
while also demonstrating favorable pharmacokinetic and safety
profiles.
About Seasonal InfluenzaEach
year there are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza
worldwide, 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 650,000 deaths,
according to the World Health Organization. On average about
8% of the U.S. population contracts influenza each season.
Influenza is responsible for approximately $10.4 billion in direct
costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults in the
U.S. annually.
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, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2) noroviruses and
hepatitis C viruses. 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 StatementsThis press release contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements
regarding the Company’s ongoing Phase 2a human challenge trial for
CC-42344 as a product candidate for oral treatment of influenza A,
and the planned initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in the first
half of 2024 for CC-42344 as a product candidate for inhaled
treatment of influenza A, and the potential efficacy and clinical
benefits of, and market for, such product candidate. 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 relating to our ability to proceed with the Phase
2a and Phase 1 studies referred to above including recruiting
volunteers for and procuring or manufacturing materials for such
studies by our clinical research organizations and vendors, and the
results of such studies. 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, 2022. 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
Media Contact:JQA PartnersJules
Abraham917-885-7378Jabraham@jqapartners.com
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