Durham-based Chimerix (www.chimerix-inc.com), a biotechnology company focused on developing orally available antiviral therapeutics, has initiated a multi-dose trial with its lead drug candidate, CMX001, an oral treatment for smallpox infection. This trial will study the pharmacokinetics and safety of three doses of the drug given to healthy volunteers. CMX001 is being developed for the treatment of smallpox infection and other double stranded DNA virus infections that cause significant human morbidity and mortality. A safe, orally active antiviral drug for smallpox is needed to provide a means of treating people who become ill post exposure to the disease or who cannot be vaccinated. The work is partially funded by a $36.1 million grant awarded to the company by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
Chimerix is a CED member.