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FORNY20-FORNY2020

MP: Aminoacridines with dual SARS-CoV2 antiviral and immunostimulating activity

Alternative title: Aminoacridiner med kombinert SARS-CoV2 antiviral og immunstimulerende effekt

Awarded: NOK 0.50 mill.

A series of compounds that regulate and potentially can improve anti-viral immune responses in Covid-19 infection were examined. In addition the compounds had a direct inhibitory effect on the SARS-CoV2 virus in cellular viral replication assays in the lab. Based on this characterisation, 3 compounds were formulated for injection and tested for toxicity and toerability in two animal species., Next, one drug development candidate with combined immunostimulating and SARS-CoV2 anti-viral effect was tested in a Covid-19 animal model in hamster. The results showed a milder clinical course of SARS CoV2 infection upon treatment with the compound in SARS-Cov2 infected hamstersbased on clinical data (weight recovery, clinical score). There was also less inflammation in the lungs and a somewhat stronger immune responses in treated animals. However, the observed effects have not, so far, been clear enough to convince investors to pursue further develoment of a drug candidate. The project has therefore been put on hold for now and the patent application has not been continued. , which will determine whether this series of drug candidates should be developed further for use in humans.

The present project along with other funding raised allowed us to formulate and test a drug candidate in a Covid-19 animal model in hamsters in a BSL-3 facility in the the Nethe. While the compound had effect, the effect was not so strong that it has, so far, convinced investors to pursue development.

Funding scheme:

FORNY20-FORNY2020