Firm has two Phase II candidates for HIV and infections in immunocompromised patients.

Chimerix completed a $45 million Series F financing round. Proceeds will be used to support the development of two clinical-stage candidates, CMX001 and CMX157.

CMX001 is a broad-spectrum antiviral that is being tested as a treatment for life-threatening viral infections in immunocompromised patients. It also has potential as a countermeasure in the event of a smallpox release, according to Chimerix. CMX157 is a nucleoside analogue in development for the treatment of HIV infections including those caused by multidrug-resistant viruses.

CMX001 is in a Phase II study of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. A Phase II trial of the compound in pediatric and adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with adenovirus-related diseases is currently being initiated, says Chimerix. The smallpox trials have received federal funding from the NIAID, according to the company.

The firm is also conducting an open-label study with CMX001 under expanded access protocol for the treatment of critically ill patients with any of 12 different double-stranded DNA viral infections. These include AdV, herpes viruses (such as CMV, herpes simplex virus, and Epstein Barr virus), polyoma viruses such as BK virus and JC virus, and pox viruses. Chimerix says that the trial builds on its experience working with clinicians at over 55 leading institutions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Israel who have sought CMX001 for the treatment of more than 150 immunocompromised patients under emergency INDs.

The firm recently completed a Phase I study of CMX157. The study demonstrated that the compound is well tolerated and that the active antiviral, TFV-PP, was measurable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after a single dose and remained detectable for six days, indicating that it may be suitable for once-weekly dosing.

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