Development of targeted SARS-CoV-2 antivirals
Eisbach Bio receives 6.7 million Euros grant from the Bavarian Government
Eisbach Bio, a biotechnology startup targeting the molecular machines that drive human disease, already received funding of 8 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in July 2021. At the end of October 2021, the start-up announces another financial support from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi) for the preclinical and clinical development of a proprietary SARS-CoV-2 helicase inhibitor and its backups. The funding of 6.7 million euros will support the development of the Company’s Covid-19 therapeutics and maintain the competitiveness of the biotech scene in Bavaria as part of the BayTherapie 2020 program. Eisbach Bio is located in the Innovation and Start-up Center Biotechnology (IZB) in Martinsried near Munich.
Symbolic image
pixabay.com
Eisbach’s CEO, Dr. Adrian Schomburg, commented: “Our team is grateful to receive state support for the development of our drug candidates. The biotech scene in Bavaria and beyond will benefit from this project. Our research progress illustrates how Bavarian companies joined the fight against COVID-19, taking a leading role in driving innovation and identifying therapeutic solutions.”
Prof. Andreas Ladurner, Eisbach’s CSO, added: “We are determined to deliver a sustainable drug with a good safety profile. The funded BayTherapie2020 program will allow us to allocate more resources to the research and development of EIS4363, greatly increasing our chances of developing a much-needed novel antiviral for the global community.”
The financial support adds to the Company’s government-funded grants for the development of its novel targeted antivirals. Eisbach is rapidly progressing its IND-enabling work and expects to initiate Phase I clinical trials for its nominated COVID-19 asset in Q2, 2022.
Eisbach aims to bring a safe, sustainable and targeted antiviral drug with specific activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the clinic to lower disease progression and help end the pandemic globally. Using its molecular machine expertise, the Company developed EIS4363, a small molecule inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase enzyme Nsp13, which is critical for viral replication and is the most conserved non-structural protein within the extended coronavirus family. The goal of this project is to further develop the chemical structure of the preclinical candidate EIS4363 and to further increase the efficacy in animal models. Additional research will be directed toward developing a highly effective, oral combination therapy with drugs targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), such as molnupiravir.
“We are very proud that a start-up from the IZB is making a significant contribution to the global fight against the Corona pandemic. Thus, we wish the team of Eisbach Bio much success in the implementation of their innovative technology,” comments Dr. Peter Hanns Zobel, Managing Director of the IZB, the positive development of the company.
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the life science industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.
