CRISPR-BASED ASSAY FOR PORTABLE TROPICAL INFECTION DIAGNOSIS (CAPTIN-D)

Influenza continues to pose a significant public health challenge due to its seasonal nature and the potentialfor pandemics. While antiviral medications have been an essential tool in managing both seasonal andpandemic influenza, the emergence of virus-acquired resistance underscores the need for novel treatments.Current antiviral drugs, including neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and zanamivir, and the morerecent PA endonuclease inhibitor, baloxavir marboxil, face resistance issues. Mutations, particularly atposition 38 of the endonuclease, have reduced drug efficacy and highlighted the necessity for new targets.Cocrystal Pharma aims to address this gap by developing next-generation oral antiviral compounds withreduced susceptibility to resistance. Using a structure-based drug design platform, Cocrystal is exploringthree proprietary molecular scaffolds targeting PA endonuclease. The best candidates will be evaluated forresistance profiles and pharmacokinetics, building on Cocrystal’s successful track record with antivirals inclinical development, such as the HCV non-nucleoside inhibitor CC-31244 and the influenza PB2 inhibitorCC-42344. This project represents a strategic step toward creating a pipeline of antiviral drugs that could beapplicable beyond influenza, addressing unmet medical needs in other viral infections.