Benzinga | Oct 19, 2021 10:42AM EDT

Enanta Plans To Start Human Trials For Its COVID-19 Candidate In 2022

* Enanta Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:ENTA) has reported new preclinical data for EDP-235, its recently announced lead oral protease inhibitor for COVID-19.

* The data were presented at the International Society for Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus Diseases (ISIRV)--World Health Organization (WHO) Virtual Conference 2021.

* Preclinical data showed potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and was retained against proteases from SARS-CoV-2 variants.

* Additionally, EDP-235 was shown to have potent antiviral activity across other human coronaviruses.

* EDP-235 showed good human Caco-2 cell permeability and a low plasma clearance in human liver microsomes. EDP-235 had favorable in vivo penetration into multiple target tissues, including lung, kidney, liver, and heart.

* Enanta has completed IND-enabling preclinical studies of EDP-235 and plans to advance the candidate into the clinic in early 2022.

* Related: Enanta To Discontinue Internal Development Of NASH Candidates.

* Price Action: ENTA shares are up 0.03% at $68.78 during the market session on the last check Tuesday.