MicroDose Therapeutx Inc. (formerly MicroDose Technologies) today announced that it has acquired a portfolio of compounds for the potential treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from ViroPharma Incorporated (Exton, PA). The lead investigational compound in the portfolio is an inhalable small molecule fusion inhibitor, now called MDT-637. This highly potent compound has demonstrated antiviral activity in preclinical studies in both prophylaxis and treatment, and was generally well tolerated in multiple adult volunteer Phase I studies. MicroDose plans to develop the newly acquired compound in dry powder format for inhalation via MicroDose’s novel dry powder inhaler (DPI).
RSV is a highly contagious virus that is a major health threat to several high-risk populations and, with no effective treatments presently available, represents a major unmet medical need. RSV infects over 90% of children worldwide during the first two years of life and causes considerable morbidity and mortality in premature infants, the immuno-compromised, the elderly, and individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Commenting on the acquisition, Anand Gumaste, President & CEO of MicroDose said, “Earlier this year we announced that we would be expanding our mission by developing proprietary products that address large market opportunities and are enabled by our game-changing drug delivery technologies. The acquisition of ViroPharma’s portfolio is a perfect fit with this strategy, as it leverages our next generation inhaler platform as well as our experience in respiratory product development to address a large unmet need in RSV disease.”
“The unique capabilities of the MicroDose inhaler are ideal for the delivery of MDT-637 as it can realize the molecule’s broadest potential across the range of populations from pediatric to the elderly, groups not well served by today’s DPIs. The potential for both treatment and prevention across this spectrum of patients, combined with non-invasive inhaled delivery to the site of infection, could greatly expand this market,” explains Scott Fleming, MicroDose’s Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing.
HEPA air purifiers fall short in cutting respiratory infections in aged-care facilities