COVID-19 update: experimental testing initiated with WuXi AppTec
e-therapeutics plc (AIM: ETX.L, "e-therapeutics" or "the Company") today announces the initiation of experimental testing on the first set of compounds for the treatment of COVID-19 identified using its proprietary Network-driven Drug Discovery (NDD) platform. The Company will work with WuXi AppTec to perform the studies.
In line with our previous statement on the 23rd March 2020, we continue to pursue an NDD approach to identify approved and known drugs, both alone and as synergistic combinations, that could be rapidly repositioned for the treatment of COVID-19. Importantly, we are focusing on therapeutic strategies that target host systems, therefore minimising the risk of resistance and potentially being effective for the treatment of other viral conditions.
An initial compound set, which we believe has the potential to address both viral replication and the associated excessive immune response, will be tested by WuXi AppTec utilising its relevant cell-based assays.
I am pleased to report progress on our contribution to the fight against COVID-19, advancing from the computational stage of our project into experimental work. We are pursuing a multipronged effort for this project and will continue to provide updates as further data becomes available.
Ali Mortazavi
Executive Chairman of e-therapeutics