Bengaluru-based Bugworks has started work on antiviral medication that can be used against single-stranded RNA viruses such as Coronavirus and Flavivirus. The experimental drug is called VIROX-1 and the intervention will be tested for both intravenous and oral formulations. Mr Santanu Datta, Chief scientific officer, stated that the decision to launch a program on developing potential antiviral drugs was taken a year ago.

The search for a safe and effective drug for covid therapy is going on at a global level. Currently, Pfizer’s Paxlovid and MSD-Ridgeback Biotherapeutics′ are the only two available options. Antivirals are capable of destroying viruses irrespective of mutations giving them an advantage over monoclonal antibodies.   

Datta also added that along with antiviral, the company will focus on testing its lead molecule BWC0977 targeted against antimicrobial resistance in clinical trials. In phase 1, the drug will be tested on healthy volunteers followed by testing on patients diagnosed with different types of infection in phase 2 studies.

Source: ET Healthworld