Cocrystal Pharma Secures SBIR Phase I Grant From NIH/NIAID To Develop Oral Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Targeting Influenza Polymerase Complex

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. announced that it has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The grant, totaling approximately $500,000, will support the company’s efforts to develop a novel, oral, broad-spectrum antiviral candidate designed to treat influenza A and B infections.

The funding will be used to advance research on lead candidate molecules that inhibit a critical target within the influenza polymerase complex, a key enzyme necessary for viral replication. This program builds upon Cocrystal’s expertise in structure-based drug discovery and its mission to develop effective antiviral therapies with broad applicability.

Sam Lee, Ph.D., President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Cocrystal, expressed his appreciation for the award, stating, “This funding provides valuable non-dilutive capital to advance our influenza A/B program as we work toward developing potent, broad-spectrum antiviral drugs suitable for clinical development. We are grateful for the NIH’s support and recognition of our structure-based drug discovery platform, which continues to demonstrate promise in creating innovative antiviral treatments.”

The SBIR Phase I award from the NIH/NIAID is intended to evaluate the scientific, technical, and commercial potential of early-stage research programs. Upon successful completion of Phase I, Cocrystal may be eligible to apply for a Phase II award, which offers additional funding to further develop and advance the program toward clinical trials.

James Martin, Chief Financial Officer and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Cocrystal, emphasized the strategic value of this milestone, adding, “Securing government and military funding is a key component of our strategy to advance our antiviral pipeline while protecting shareholder value. This award represents an important step forward as we continue to pursue additional non-dilutive funding opportunities to support our research and development goals.”

The research is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the NIH under award number 75N93025C00038. The company noted that the content of this release is solely its responsibility and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the NIH.