NanoViricides (NYSE-A:NNVC), a clinical-stage company developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, has highlighted the current influenza season as an example of the need for antivirals capable of targeting multiple respiratory viruses.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the 2025 to 2026 flu season as “moderately severe,” with the Influenza A/H3N2 subclade K responsible for more than 80% of cases.
As of January 6, the CDC estimates at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths from influenza this season. Seasonal vaccines were mismatched to the circulating strain, containing an older subclade J variant, which has reduced effectiveness in preventing infection.
Currently available influenza antivirals, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir), require administration within 48 hours of symptom onset to be moderately effective, and influenza viruses can develop resistance to both treatments, NanoViricides noted.
The company said that its drug candidate, NV-387, is designed to target a host cell feature called heparan sulfate, which is used by more than 90% of human pathogenic viruses to infect cells. By mimicking this feature, NV-387 is intended to engage and neutralize viruses, potentially limiting the ability of viruses to develop resistance.
It added that NV-387 has shown activity in animal studies against Influenza A/H3N2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses, and has demonstrated outcomes comparable or superior to current antiviral medications.
In RSV models, NV-387 reportedly resulted in complete recovery. NanoViricides plans a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate NV-387 as a potential first-line therapy for respiratory viral infections, which could allow treatment based on symptoms rather than confirmed viral testing.
If approved, NV-387 could address a wide range of viral respiratory infections, including influenza, RSV, and coronaviruses, and NanoViricides estimates the market potential for broad-use therapy could exceed $20 billion.