Chimerix Updates the World Health Organization and the Global Health Security Initiative on Development of CMX001 as a Broad-Spectrum Therapeutic for Smallpox
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Chimerix,
Inc., a biopharmaceutical company advancing orally-available
antiviral therapeutics to address life-threatening diseases,
presented updates on the development of the company's lead
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, as well as other serious viral infections.
Randall Lanier, Ph.D., Director of Virology for Chimerix, spoke
at the WHO 11th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Variola Virus
Research in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.
George Painter, Ph.D., Chimerix's Chief Executive Officer, spoke to
the GHSI's Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Workshop
on Thursday, November 5, 2009. Dr. Painter's and Dr. Lanier's
presentations included updates on the development of CMX001 for
both biodefense and commercial uses as a broad-spectrum 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.
Dr. Painter said, with regard to both the WHO and GHSI
presentations, "We are quite pleased with the progress of CMX001
and look forward to working with both the U.S. and international
public health and transplant communities to continue to move the
product toward regulatory approval."
CMX001 combines Chimerix's PIM (phospholipid intramembrane
microfluidization) Conjugate Technology with cidofovir, an approved
antiviral agent, with the aim of creating a well-tolerated and
highly potent new chemical entity with broad-spectrum antiviral
activity. 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.
About the GHSI Meeting
This year's GHSI workshop was hosted by the United States
Department of Health and Human Services, Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and the Biomedical Advanced
Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in Washington, DC. The
GHSI consists of the Group of Seven nations, along with Mexico, and
is charged with facilitating international cooperation for the
development and procurement of medical countermeasures for both
biodefense and global health. More information about the meeting
may be found at http://www.blsmeetings.net/2009GHSImeetingsMCM/index.html
About Chimerix
Chimerix, Inc., is developing antiviral therapeutics to treat
life-threatening diseases. Led by a world-class antiviral drug
development team, Chimerix is advancing programs to address
cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK virus, smallpox, human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) and influenza. The company's lead compound, CMX001, is
currently in Phase 1 and 2 clinical studies for the treatment of BK
virus and CMV, potentially deadly infections among
immunocompromised patients. CMX001 is also being evaluated for use
as a treatment in the event of a smallpox outbreak. Chimerix has
received financing from leading venture capital firms, including
Canaan Partners, Alta Partners, Sanderling Ventures, Frazier
Healthcare Ventures and Asset Management Company, in addition to
U.S. Government grants. Additional information about Chimerix and
its antiviral drug development programs may be found online at
http://www.chimerix-inc.com/.
Source: Chimerix, Inc.
CONTACT: Kenneth I. Moch, Chief Operating Officer of Chimerix,
Inc.,
+1-919-313-2961; or Karen L. Bergman, +1.650-575-1509, or Susan
M.
Pietropaolo, +1-201-923-2049, both of BCC Partners for Chimerix,
Inc.
Web Site: http://www.chimerix-inc.com/
Posted: November 2009
