Influenza
The Problem: new drugs are needed to treat drug-resistant influenza and to prevent and treat influenza in elderly, immunocompromised and vulnerable populations.
Influenza viruses develop resistance to common antiviral medications (neuraminidase and cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors) thus, new medications are needed. The ongoing risk from virus emerging out of natural virus reservoirs requires high potency antivirals effective against pandemic-potential strains.
QUICK FACTS
High rates of vaccination and use of antiviral medication indicate that the elderly are actively seeking protection from influenza
80-90% of seasonal influenza deaths occur in persons >65 years old
70% of persons 65 years (US) and older receive seasonal vaccine
31% of persons 65 years and older, within 2 days of symptom onset, were prescribed influenza antiviral medication
Traws Pharma Solution: Investigational TRX100 (viroxavir), a Cap-independent endonuclease inhibitor under development for treatment & prophylaxis of pandemic influenza.
Viroxavir targets the Cap-independent endonuclease found in seasonal and pandemic influenza types A or B.
Viroxavir [in preclinical studies] is active against drug-resistant viruses, seasonal influenza, and against pandemic-potential viruses currently circulating in nature.
Viroxavir demonstrated positive results in a clinical Phase 1 study. The PK/PD human data support the development of a single oral dose administration for either treatment or prophylaxis.
Phase 2 trials will test one-time administration to reduce duration of symptomatic influenza infection.
Properties make viroxavir suitable for further evaluation as stockpiling.