Abivax has recently discovered several molecules that are active against the virus in vitro, some of which could be developed as therapeutic drug-candidates against dengue fever.
The company said that it is currently screening its proprietary antiviral library targeting the modulation of viral RNA splicing for molecules that are active against all four dengue serotypes. In an initial screen, the company has identified several molecules against serotype 2 and is beginning to analyze these hits on their ability to inhibit the replication of the other serotypes.
The goal is to develop a single molecule that is active against all serotypes of dengue, the company said.
“According to WHO almost 400 million individuals are infected with the dengue virus each year,” said Prof. Hartmut J. Ehrlich, M.D., CEO of Abivax. “The Abivax antiviral platform, which consists of a library of >1000 small molecules targeting the modulation of viral RNA splicing, is an established tool for identifying promising antiviral compounds. Our technology has already been validated by providing product candidates against a number of viral diseases, including HIV and chikungunya.”
WHO estimates dengue fever to be present in more than 100 countries, with more than 2.5 billion people, i.e. approximately one third of the world’s population, at risk for being infected with the virus. Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a flu-like syndrome but can also lead to severe dengue disease, which is potentially life threatening.