Cocrystal Pharma Presents Preclinical Data

Cocrystal Pharma (NASDAQ:COCP) presented preclinical characterization data of its candidate CC-42322, a potential influenza A treatment on Tuesday (November 13).

The information was presented at a medical conference, the International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases (ISIRV) in Washington, DC.

Cocrystal’s president Sam Lee did an oral presentation on the drug’s tiple route treatment against all influenza A strains. The triple route pertains to oral, inhalation and IV treatment,

Lee said the drug has a favorable safety profile and pharmacokinetic properties. The company remains encouraged by this data and looks forward to presenting additional updates, he said. “CC-42344 has exhibited broad-spectrum activity in cell culture against seasonal and pandemic influenza strains,” he added.

The preclinical work Cocystral is currently working on is for the investigational new drug application (NDA) for the drug. The drug works by binding to a highly protected PB2 site of the influenza polymerase complex, which is a novel functioning mechanism.

The data from this trial was done through in vivo tests on rats and mice for each route of treatment.

ISIRV is an independent society for promoting the prevention, detection, treatment and control of influenza and other respiratory diseases, as its name suggests. It is the first scientific society of its kind specifically for these indications.

Aside from being effective against all the A strains, the company hopes it will have a high barrier to resistance based on the studied mechanism of the virus’ replicating. Much of the data published is in comparison to Johnson and Johnson’s (NYSE:JNJ) subsidiary Jenssen’s drug candidate Pimodivir, or VX-787.

Cocrystal’s candidate has only identified one mutation after treatment, whereas Pimodivir has identified three mutations. Another advantage over Pimodivir may be a longer chemical stability, over 12 months, and synergistic effects with replication inhibitors, as reported in the company’s online presentation.

CC-42344 was developed using Cocystral’s drug discovery platform technology which develops broad spectrum antiviral therapeutics. The method is targeted to create safe, effective and convenient to administer small molecules.

The technology provides a 3D structure of inhibitor complexes—in this case, the influenza PC2 crystals. The structure helps identify the binding sites and allows structural information through an X-ray process.

The technology also allows the company to discover broad spectrum antiviral activity. For most viral diseases, each has subtypes of the virus which cause the disease; Cocrystal’s technology can identify each of these subtypes for the most effective treatment.

This is why Cocrystal’s CC-42344 may be a potential game changer for all influenza A strains versus competitors, such as Pimodivir.

Cocrystal is a clinical stage company. Aside from this preclinical drug, the company has two other programs in development for Hepatitis C, both in Phase 2 trials. Other programs are for the Norovirus, and influenza A/B inhibitors.

Investor Takeaway

Cocrystal’s share price made a 31.71 percent gain over the trading period Tuesday to US$2.70.

A milestone for this drug candidate investors can look forward to is the initiation of a Phase 1 study in the first half of 2019. This would follow successful preclinical development and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) NDA approval.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle Lakusta, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.