ViralClear to Test Antiviral Merimepodib for Advanced COVID-19

The FDA has approved ViralClear Pharmaceuticals’ application for a phase 2 study of its antiviral merimepodib as a possible COVID-19 treatment.

The trial will evaluate the oral antiviral in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who require supplemental oxygen or are on non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen devices.

Merimepodib was previously being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for chronic hepatitis C and psoriasis.