BioCryst Receives $12M From HHS to Develop Broad-Spectrum Antiviral

The U.S. government has awarded BioCryst $12.1 million for development of its BCX4430 antiviral that targets multiple pathogens — including Ebola.

The 18-month contract from HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will focus on process improvement, scale up and manufacture of the drug, the company says.

BCX4430 has shown some efficacy as a broad-spectrum antiviral, working against more than 20 viruses including filoviruses like Ebola and Marburg, arenaviruses, coronaviruses, togaviruses, bunyaviruses, paramyxoviruses and flaviviruses, according to BioCryst. The drug works by interrupting the RNA’s ability to replicate itself.

Batches of BCX4430 produced under the contract will be used in nonhuman and human toxicology studies to support an NDA filing with the FDA for both intravenous and intramuscular forms of the drug, potentially for many indications, BioCryst says.

The North Carolina biotech is focused on completing a Phase I human safety study funded by a previous Grant from the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spokesman Robert Bennett said. Results from that study are expected in the third quarter of this year. — Lena Freund