Cocrystal Pharma Inc (NASDAQ: COCP) has selected two investigational novel antiviral drug candidates for further development as oral treatments for COVID-19.

• CDI-988 and CDI-873 target a highly conserved region in the active site of SARS-CoV-2 main (3CL) protease required for viral RNA replication.

• Cocrystal plans to initiate a first-in-human trial with one selected candidate as soon as possible this year.

• Although CDI-988 and CDI-873 are chemically differentiated, both exhibited superior in vitro potency against SARS-CoV-2 with activity maintained against current variants of concern, including omicron.

• Related: Cocrystal's COVID-19 Antiviral Candidate Shows Potency Against Omicron Variant.

• Both candidates demonstrated a favorable safety profile and pharmacokinetic properties in preclinical studies supportive of daily oral dosing.

• "In addition to initiating two COVID-19 trials in 2022, we anticipate completion of our influenza CC-42344 Phase 1 study this year," said James Martin, Cocrystal's CFO and interim co-CEO.

• Cocrystal received guidance from the FDA for further development of CDI-45205 in response to the Company's pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) briefing package.

• Price Action: COCP shares are up 0.56% at $0.51 during the market session on the last check Thursday.

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