CDI-45205 Shows Efficacy Against Delta Variant Cocrystal announced that its protease inhibitor against the COVID-19 virus, CDI-45205, showed potent in vitro activity against all four major variants. These include the Delta (India or B.1.617.2), Alpha (UK or B.1.1.7), Beta (South African or B.1.351) and Gamma (Brazil or P.1). We believe these data show that the company’s technology platform for developing RNA protease inhibitors that block viral replication has broad efficacy.Efficacy Data Provides Proof of Concept CDI-45205 is based on Cocrystal’s proprietary platform for developing molecules to inhibit RNA polymerases needed for viral replication. Inhibition of these enzymes is an early step in the viral reproductive cycle that prevents replication and stops production of new viral particles. This differs from the current COVID-19 vaccines that stimulate an immune response against messenger RNA or spike proteins on the viral surface.Cocrystal Has Several Antiviral Products In Development CDI-45205 and its analogues are part of Cocrystal’s development program in single-stranded RNA viruses, including COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), and norovirus.Cocrystal Plans To Continue Development CDI-45205 The company plans to continue preclinical development, manufacture of clinical trial quantities, and file an IND to begin clinical studies. We continue to believe that new vaccines are needed to protect against new COVID-19 strains and to maintain long-term immunity.Conclusion: We believe the SDI-45205 data provides additional proof-of-concept for Cocrystal’s core RNA protease technology, and shows that its molecules can provide the broad activity predicted. We expect the stock to be driving by clinical milestones from its programs in influenza, hepatitis C, and norovirus. We reiterate our Outperform rating and price target of $5 per share. Read More >>