Oya1 originally was first discovered as broad microbicide and an Ebola antiviral in collaboration with NIAID. This work was recently published (Bennett et al., (2021) ‘A Novel Ebola Virus VP40 Matrix Protein-Based Screening for Identification of Novel Candidate Medical Countermeasures’ Viruses Viruses 13 https://doi.org/10.3390) and is patent protected. The published data show that Oya1 is markedly more effective than remdesivir but has significant virus stopping capability alone or in combination with remdesivir. Clinical trials showed that Mab therapy had greatest therapeutic value in treating Ebola. Vaccination strategies for Ebola and remdesivir were minimally effective for people infected with Ebola who already have symptoms. The unmet need is that protection through immunization takes 21 days but the virus kills in 14 days. When an Ebola vaccine becomes available, it may prevent the spread of Ebola to those who are immunized but it will not prevent transmission or death of persons within the disease epicenter who are not immune. Mab production and distribution are costly and require special infrastructure. OyaGen will address the unmet need for highly active antiviral therapies that are low in cost of production and distribution.

Oya1 has an inexpensive five step synthesis, has a long shelf-life, and does not require special considerations for storage or shipment. Pre-IND discussions with the FDA have confirmed studies that will gate the entry of Oya1 for human Phase I clinical trials. The company seeks to partner or license Oya1 or obtain a tranched capital raise enabling OyaGen to complete remaining preclinical studies required by the FDA for approval of an IND and Phase I clinical safety and pharmacokinetic studies.