- Thinly traded nano cap NanoViricides (NYSE:NNVC +15.5%) is up on increased volume in early trading in response to its announcement of an agreement with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Eye Center's Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory for the testing of its drug candidates in standard animal models of ocular virus infections.
- The tests will be performed to assess their efficacy and potency as anti-viral agents in ocular viral infections. If successful, the company plans to file an Investigational New Application (IND) with the FDA for clearance to start clinical trials.
- The firm's nanoviricide drug candidates are designed to specifically attack virus particles and dismantle them. A nanoviricide is created by attaching a virus-binding ligand (derived from the virus's cell surface receptor) to a flexible polymer. Pipeline candidates include drugs for H5N1 bird flu, seasonal influenza, HIV, Epidemic Kerato-Conjunctivitis, hepatitis C, rabies, dengue fever and Ebola.