Cocrystal Pharma presents data on CC-42344 at World Vaccine Congress West Coast

Cocrystal Pharma 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 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.”