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Canopus BioPharma (CBIA), anti-virals selected for screening against MERS-CoV
Canopus BioPharma (CBIA), anti-virals selected for screening against MERS-CoV.
About this update from Canopus Biopharma, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"The Research Group at Hong Kong University, after reviewing initial data on anti-viral compounds presented by Canopus BioPharma, have agreed to screen three of the company's antivirals to determine their effectiveness against the MERS-CoV virus.Canopus BioPharma has developed three separate anti-viral molecules to be screened by the researchers at Hong Kong University. These three antiviral candidates are expected to perform well against the newly emerging virus known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a SARS-like virus with a mortality rate of more than 40 percent.Canopus BioPharma is screening: CBP-9, a nucleoside analogue: - has shown anti-viral activity when used to combat HIV strains. It has been administered during Phase 2 human studies in the United States.CBP-8, a Flavone: - has shown anti-viral activity against Rhinoviruses, Enteroviruses, and Polio virus. CBP-3, a Mogroside analogue: - has been shown to act in-vitro with anti-viral activity against BVDV/HIV/Hep C.Canopus BioPharma expects to have confirmation from the HKU research team within three months to confirm the efficacy of at least one of the above anti-viral compounds. In the event that anti-viral activity is confirmed against MERS-CoV, the Research Group at HKU will also issue a public announcement. Canopus BioPharma has patents pending on the anti-viral activity and formulations of the above compounds, giving them a proprietary position in their development and use.MERS-CoV, formerly known as a novel coronavirus or human coronavirus EMC, has been causing concern about a worldwide pandemic because it is thought to be transmitted by close person-to-person contact and causes severe acute respiratory disease, much like the SARS virus. The information regarding MERS-CoV is limited and there is no specific treatment yet available. The World Health Organization has recorded 238 cases, including 92 fatalities, from MERS-CoV during the period of April 2012 to May 2014. Because there is so little information available about MERS-CoV, it is important to develop an anti-viral compound to halt its spread.Canopus BioPharma is positioning itself to become a major player in the field of anti-viral treatments. The company is making strides in the field of anti-viral compounds and emerging as a leader in the pharmaceutical and biote...