BioSig Technologies subsidiary partners with contract R&D company to evaluate its drug merimepodib as a coronavirus treatment

BioSig Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:BSGM) and its subsidiary ViralClear Pharmaceuticals Inc announced a partnership Thursday with contract R&D and manufacturing company Albany Molecular Research Inc (AMRI) to investigate its drug merimepodib to fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. The parties plan to evaluate the drug as a standalone treatment and in combination with other antiviral agents or immune modulators.  “As part of our ongoing development and commercialization strategy we are delighted to be working with AMRI as our second US-based active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) supplier,” ViralClear CEO Steve King said in a statement. “The rapid transfer, scale up and validation of merimepodib API manufacture is key to our future supply chain and commercialization strategy. ViralClear is committed to using US-based CDMOs for the development and commercialization of merimepodib.” WATCH: BioSig Technologies to begin first-in-human studies of its PURE EP System at the Mayo Clinic Merimepodib is intended to be orally administered and has demonstrated broad-spectrum in vitro antiviral activity, including strong activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures, the company said. The drug was originally being developed as a treatment for chronic hepatitis C and psoriasis by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. “AMRI is proud to partner with ViralClear in this vital effort of seeking a potential treatment for COVID-19,” AMRI President Christopher Conway said. “Our team is committed to applying the expertise and experience we’re renowned for to help combat this complex global health challenge.” Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel