Moleculin Biotech ^Company

Moleculin said March 17 it has partnered with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) to conduct research on its lead candidate WP1122 and the rest of Moleculin’s patented portfolio of molecular inhibitors, for antiviral properties against COVID-19 and other viruses. The company cited a 2014 study showing 2-DG to be effective in treating porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection. Three days later, Moleculin filed a new patent application covering the use of WP1122 and its analogs as therapies to limit the ability of coronavirus and other viruses to replicate. Moleculin agreed to supply WP1122 and related inhibitors, as well as technical support, while UTMB agreed to begin testing the candidates against various viral disease models, including COVID-19, in connection with the UTMB Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases.