Chimerix has presented updates on the development of the antiviral compound, CMX001, to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI). CMX001 is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent being developed for the treatment of smallpox, and other serious viral infections.
The presentations included updates on the development of CMX001 for both biodefense and commercial uses as an antiviral against double-stranded DNA viruses, including variola, as well as recent uses of the product under Emergency Investigational New Drug (E-IND) protocols against adenovirus and progressive vaccinia in immune-compromised patients.
The company has reported that CMX001 combines Chimerix’s PIM (phospholipid intramembrane microfluidization) conjugate technology with cidofovir, an approved antiviral agent. CMX001 is initially being developed for both commercial and medical preparedness uses.
Chimerix is currently conducting clinical trials of CMX001 for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus in immunocompromised transplant patients.
The company has also received a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the development of CMX001 as a treatment in the event of a smallpox outbreak.
George Painter, chief executive officer of Chimerix, said: “We are quite pleased with the progress of CMX001 and look forward to working with both the US and international public health and transplant communities to continue to move the product toward regulatory approval.”