Clovertex’s October Target of the Month is human serum albumin, the body’s most abundant...
Clovertex’s November Target of the Month is influenza neuraminidase, the conserved surface enzyme critical for viral release and spread. As the catalytic target of antivirals like zanamivir and oseltamivir, neuraminidase cleaves terminal sialic acids, enabling mature influenza virions to detach from infected cells and propagate through the respiratory tract.
Neuraminidase takes center stage this month following Merck's 9.2 billion dollar acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, whose lead asset CD388 is a long-acting Fc-conjugated zanamivir analog now in Phase 3 trials. Unlike traditional vaccines, CD388 offers once-per-season prophylaxis by directly inhibiting neuraminidase, independent of the host immune response. Its Fc backbone enables extended half-life through FcRn-mediated recycling, allowing for sustained protection across an entire flu season. As seasonal influenza continues to cause significant illness and death worldwide, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, neuraminidase remains a commercially valuable and societally essential antiviral target.
The Protein Imager rendering displays the Cryo-EM structure of influenza virus neuraminidase from A/Kansas/14/2017 (PDB entry 9CYG).
About Clovertex
Clovertex is an industry leader specializing in meeting the scientific IT needs of pharmaceutical companies, with a robust focus on cloud-based or on-premises cryo-EM processing. As an Advanced Tier Services Partner with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Clovertex leverages its comprehensive expertise to architect, build, automate, and manage software applications designed to meet specific research needs. Our all-encompassing solutions are meticulously tailored to streamline the complex processes associated with pharmaceutical research, underscoring our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By integrating state-of-the-art technology with deep scientific understanding, Clovertex paves the way in optimizing the intersection of information technology and pharmaceutical development.
Useful links
1. Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics
2. Clovertex website
