the company
The French biotech company Meletios Therapeutics was created in April 2020 by a team of high level scientists and experienced biotech managers. The aim is to fulfill the urgent and large unmet medical need for antiviral molecules against current and emerging diseases.
One of our first drug candidate has confirmed its potential on in vitro and in vivo models by acting both on the virus SARS-CoV-2 and on infected cells. This molecule will now be developed and tested in order to fulfill the regulatory requirements and enter into clinical phase.
Several drug candidates from Meletios portfolio are currently being tested both in vitro and in vivo and will widen our range of antiviral molecules on different viruses. Some of these molecules have already been tested in clinic for other human pathologies, so they will have the two main advantages: a well-known safety profile and an accelerated development.
Meletios Therapeutics’ goal is to become a world leader in the fight against emerging viral infections by developing innovative broad-spectrum therapeutic solutions.
STRENGTHS OF MELETIOS
THE CONTEXT
As far back as we can remember, there has always been a real concern for human communities about epidemics, which have been incredibly devastating in the past. Today, even with scientific advances we are seeing a speeding up of the phenomenon. We are increasingly interconnected and we are pushing the boundaries of our environment further and further, yielding unknown viruses to come out into the open.
There is thus a real need to anticipate the emergence of new viruses that could lead to globalized epidemics such as COVID-19.
WHY IS THERE A CRITICAL NEED FOR ANTIVIRAL?
To tackle future emerging viruses, we need to implement everything possible to channel the epidemics. Vaccines and treatments are 2 complementary therapeutic strategies.
Vaccines are a key preventive tool but have the disadvantage of targeting a virus that needs to be already (well) known and is uncertain against possible variants. It can also take a long time to implement them.
An alternative is therefore needed for patients already ill to treat their symptoms and resolve the infection from the start of the epidemic. Depending on their mechanism of action, antiviral drugs can be effective against a wide range of viruses and are therefore an important hope for limiting the impact of pandemics.
DISEASES
We are facing an increasing number of pandemic situations
New viruses are to emerge with a lack of overlap between viruses
VACCINES
= PREVENTION
Vaccines are mostly efficient against one strain only
Implementation in the population takes long
Viral genome are small and evolve rapidly
It is sometimes impossible
to design a vaccine for a virus
ANTIVIRAL
= CURE
The current antiviral armamentarium is not sufficient to face current and future epidemics
Broad spectrum antiviral could be used as soon as a viral pandemic is identified
Antivirals will be efficacious against a large panel of viruses
MELETIOS TEAM
Our Board
OUR SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
meletios R&D STRATEGY
We have developed three complementary approaches to fight viruses. Meletios is working closely with recognized experts to steer us in each direction.
The first angle consists in developing a broad-spectrum antiviral drug by targeting host mechanisms which are hijacked by viruses. In vitro and in vivo proofs of concept were obtained with our small molecules.
The second approach directly targets the virus’ proteins by inhibiting viral replication with an innovative pharmacophore and the possibility of large-scale production.
The third approach is a disruptive technology that involves parasitizing the viral machinery with defective genomes to prevent it from producing new infectious virions.
PROGRAM 1
HOST TARGETTING AGENTS
Internal Meletios Development
What:
Small molecule
How:
Host function hijacked by viruses
Strength:
– Broad spectrum antivirals
– In vitro & vivo proof of concept
PROGRAM 2
DIRECT ACTING AGENTS
European funding-collaboration with molecule design specialists
What:
Prodrugs
How:
Inhibitors of viral replication
Strength:
– Innovative pharmacophore
– Cost-effective production
PROGRAM 3
DEFECTIVE INTERFERING PARTICLES
Originating from an academic technology
What:
Defective viral genomes
How:
Parasite of viral machinery
Strength:
Disruptive technology
MELETIOS PIPELINE
Careers
You are interested in joining our team? Do not hesitate to submit your application with a cover letter and resume at contact@meletiostx.com!
Please send your application to contact@meletiostx.com