Full Press Release Details
Pharma Receives Pre-IND Responses from the FDA on Oral CC-42344 for Treating Influenza A
provides greater clarity on regulatory requirements for planned Phase 2b trial
Wash. (March 19, 2024) - Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) ("Cocrystal" or the "Company") announces
it has received Pre-Investigational New Drug (Pre-IND) feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding CC-42344 as
a potential oral treatment for pandemic and seasonal influenza A. A Pre-IND review provides the opportunity to obtain FDA guidance and
clarification on critical steps such as the proposed clinical trial design, as well as clinical drug manufacturing and nonclinical studies
deemed necessary before filing the trial design. The feedback was provided in a written response to a Pre-IND package and questions submitted
by the Company in January 2024.
value the FDA guidance as we prepare to file the IND for our Phase 2b trial and open enrollment of patients in the U.S.," said
Sam Lee, Ph.D., Cocrystal's President and co-CEO. "This is an important milestone that provides greater clarity on the regulatory
requirements and our planned oral CC-42344 clinical program."
Phase 2a challenge study of oral CC-42344 is underway in the United Kingdom to evaluate safety, and viral and clinical measures in healthy
volunteers who are infected with the influenza A virus. The Company expects to report topline results from this study in the second half
addition, preparations are underway to begin a Phase 1 study in Australia with the Company's inhaled formulation of CC-42344 as
a potential influenza A treatment and prophylaxis for those exposed to the virus. Recent preclinical data showed that inhaled CC-42344
exhibited highly effective delivery into the lung, superior lung exposure, efficacy in influenza-infected human lung epithelia, and a
favorable safety profile.
Influenza A PB2 Inhibitor
is a novel, broad-spectrum, investigational antiviral candidate for the treatment of pandemic and seasonal influenza A. CC-42344 inhibits
the first step in the viral replication process of influenza A by binding to a highly conserved PB2 site of the polymerase complex that
is essential to replication. In vitro testing with CC-42344 showed excellent antiviral activity against influenza A strains, including
pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as against strains resistant to Tamiflu and Xofluza , while also demonstrating favorable
pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. In addition, oral CC-42344 demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability results in a Phase 1 study
in Australia. This antiviral candidate was discovered using the Company's proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology.
year there are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza worldwide, with 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 650,000 deaths,
according to the World Health Organization. On average about 8% of the U.S. population contracts influenza each season. In addition
to the health risk, influenza is responsible for approximately $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits
for adults in the U.S. annually.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication
process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based
technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal,
please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including statements regarding the expected results of the Phase 2a trial for CC-42344 for the oral treatment of influenza A in the
second half of 2024, efforts in preparation for an anticipated Phase 2b trial for oral treatment of influenza A following the Phase
2a trial, efforts to begin a Phase 1 study in Australia for an inhaled formulation of CC-42344 as a potential influenza A treatment
and prophylaxis, and the potential efficacy and clinical benefits of, and market for, such product candidates. The words
"believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate,"
"intend," "should," "plan," "could," "target," "potential," "is
likely," "will," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about
future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to our
ability to proceed with the studies including recruiting volunteers and procuring materials for such studies by our clinical
research organizations and vendors, the results of such studies and our ability to obtain FDA approval to initiate the Phase 2b
study. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is
made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to
predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.