Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
The VirpPath Team of the CIRI proposes an integrative approach on a broad range of influenza virus facets from surveillance to control. The laboratory is organized in two interplaying teams (B Lina and M Rosa-Calatrava) and works on different aspects of influenza virus biology, from the deciphering of the mechanisms leading to virus emergence and pathogenesis, to the analysis of viral interplays with cells and host factors during virus infection. We focus on (i) the understanding the role of the packaging signals harbored by viral gene segments during genetic reassortments, (ii) the importance of the functional balance between the two surface glycoproteins for infection and pathogenesis, (iii) and the virus-induced modification of specific cellular signaling pathways. http://www.virpath.com/
Signia Therapeutics is a spin-off of Université Claude Bernard Lyon1. The company proposes an innovative and versatile platform for large spectrum antiviral drug discovery and repositioning based on globally targeting the host cell instead of specific viral molecular determinants. The innovative and proprietary platform will offer the minimization of drug resistance, with significant regulatory and financial benefits compared to the time-consuming and costly process of classical de novo molecule development. A Phase 2b trial fully funded will start in December 2018 for the evaluation of one very promising antiviral candidate in 300 Flu patients, with final results expected in 2020. Ongoing programs are currently conducted and dedicated to the identification and validation of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds against Flu, RSV, hMPV and human Coronaviruses. https://signiatherapeutics.com/