BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. firm BioCryst said Thursday it has been awarded $102.6 million from the U.S. government to develop Peramivir for seasonal/pandemic flu.
Peramivir is an anti-viral agent that works by inhibiting the enzyme neuraminidase, potentially preventing the spread of the flu virus, including bird flu, the company said.
"BioCryst is pleased to be working with the U.S. Government to further strengthen pandemic preparedness through the development of peramivir, a potentially safe and effective therapy for the treatment for seasonal and life-threatening influenza," said Charles Bugg, chairman and chief executive officer of BioCryst. "We are dedicated to working together to address the potential health crisis of an avian flu pandemic, as well as the annual threat of seasonal influenza."
