First-In-Class, Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agent Intends to Revolutionize Viral Infection Treatment

NanoViricides, Inc. today elaborated on its development of a first-in-class, broad-spectrum antiviral agent that could revolutionize the treatment of viral infections, including RSV, Influenza, and other viruses.

Over 90% of human pathogenic viruses are known to use one or more "landing sites" in the Sulfated Proteoglycans ("SPG") family. NanoViricides says a successful host-mimetic nanoviricide drug using SPG as the key feature to attracting viruses could theoretically attack most, if not all, such viruses.

NV-387 is designed to mimic SPG and attack the virus as a cell-mimicking decoy. 

For example, in a recent RSV study, extended orally administered NV-387 was compared with a high dose of ribavirin. Two doses were given on the first day of dosing, followed by one daily dose for the next nine days (11 doses). NV-387 given by this dosing regimen led to complete survival of the mice beyond the 21-day study period, with no signs of pathology apparent on the last day of observation.

"An antiviral agent with an extra-ordinary broad spectrum of antiviral activity, coupled with strong safety, is a 'holy grail' of antiviral medicines," said Anil R. Diwan, Ph.D., President and Executive Chairman of the Company, in a press release on May 29, 2024 

"Our host-mimetic, direct-acting, nanoviricide™ platform technology capable of destroying virus particles has made this possible, we believe. NV-387 is now ready for Phase II studies towards the goal of regulatory approvals worldwide."

He further commented, "If and when approved, NV-387 could be as revolutionary an antiviral agent as penicillin was as an anti-bacterial agent."