Cocrystal Pharma selects CDI-988 as novovirus lead

Cocrystal Pharma announces the selection of its novel, oral, broad-spectrum 3CL protease inhibitor CDI-988 as a potential oral therapy for norovirus. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 study of CDI-988 is approved by Australia Human Research Ethics Committees, HREC. The study is designed to access the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of CDI-988. “In preclinical testing CDI-988 showed significant activity against seven different pandemic strains of norovirus, and we are enthusiastic about developing this compound as a dual broad-spectrum antiviral inhibitor,” said Sam Lee, PhD, Cocrystal President and co-CEO. “CDI-988 further validates our proprietary structure-based drug-discovery platform technology and contributes to our robust product pipeline. Our approach is to develop an effective targeted oral treatment for acute and chronic gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, as well as for potential use in addressing future pandemic norovirus outbreaks.”