COCP - Cocrystal Pharma Inc. (COCP) - First Results From Influenza Program Announced
First Data From Influenza Program Reported. Cocrystal reported preliminary data from the Phase 1 clinical trial testing CC-42344, its oral antiviral for pandemic and seasonal influenza A. This is an orally administered drug that targets viral polymerase, blocking an early step in the viral lifecycle. The first two cohorts receiving single ascending doses of CC-42344 showed favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles.The Phase 1 Trial Continues. The announcement was based on the first two cohorts treated with single doses of 100mg and 200mg and demonstrated safety with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. To date, CC-42344 has shown strong bioavailablity, plasma levels that correlated with doses given, and a half-life that supports oral daily dosing. The trial has a target enrollment of 56 healthy adults and is expected to report data from multiple ascending dose cohorts later in 2022.CC-42344 Is One Part Of The Influenza Program. In addition to the Phase 1 trial for CC-42344, Cocrystal has an influenza collaboration with Merck Sharpe and Dohme (Merck). In 2021, Cocrystal completed the discovery, testing, and delivery of candidate molecules to be further tested for clinical development. Selection of a lead molecule is expected in 1H22, generating an undisclosed milestone payment. Merck will conduct the clinical trials, paying milestones and royalties on future sales.Cocrystal Is Advancing Drugs for COVID-19 Cocrystal's drugs for COVID-19 block the RNA polymerase needed for the virus to replicate. This is an early step in the viral reproduction process and is a highly conserved enzyme that has little variance between viral strains. Cocrystal's two drugs to block it, CDI-988 an CDI-873, could be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants.Conclusion. Cocrystal continues to make progress in its clinical programs. Having shown safety and favorable pharmacokinetics, CC-42344 advances to the multiple dosing phase of the trial. Cocrystal has several clinical data announcements expected throughout the rest of 2022. We are reiterating our Outperform rating and $5 price target. Read More >>