Future Medicine Selected for National Preclinical Support Project for COVID-19 Therapeutics

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chunhee] Future Medicine announced on the 22nd that its broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidate ‘FM203’ has been selected for the 2022 1st Infectious Disease Preclinical Trial Support Project by the Korea Preclinical Center (KPEC).

Following this selection, Future Medicine plans to conduct a ‘Preclinical Study of Nucleoside Derivative as a COVID-19 Therapeutic Candidate.’ Through this, the company will receive support for preclinical evaluation of the antiviral efficacy of ‘FM203’ in a COVID-19 infection model.

Through this research, Future Medicine aims to develop a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent targeting emerging and variant ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, including COVID-19, which is transitioning into an endemic, by utilizing nucleoside derivatives secured through patented technology. A company representative explained, “The nucleoside structure is the most promising in terms of efficacy for developing therapeutics that fundamentally eliminate viruses,” adding, “This was a key factor in the selection for this government project.”

Previously, Future Medicine utilized its nucleoside platform to develop related therapeutics during the outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Although candidate substances were identified and the world’s first patent was filed at that time, development was halted as the epidemics rapidly subsided. The company expects that collaboration with specialized infectious disease research institutions through this government project will help overcome past difficulties.

A Future Medicine representative stated, “We will concentrate all our capabilities to rapidly develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents capable of responding not only to COVID-19 but also to various variant coronaviruses,” adding, “We aim to help restore the daily lives of those currently suffering and prepare for any future pandemics that may arise.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.