Core Viewpoint - Traws Pharma, Inc. has presented positive data supporting the potential of tivoxavir marboxil (TXM) as a treatment for bird flu at the International Society for Antiviral Research (ICAR 2025) conference, indicating its effectiveness and safety profile [1][2]. Company Overview - Traws Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for respiratory viral diseases, including bird flu and seasonal influenza [8][9]. - The company aims to create investigational antiviral agents that are potent against difficult-to-treat or resistant virus strains, with a commitment to patient safety and simple dosing regimens [8]. Product Development - Tivoxavir marboxil (TXM) is an investigational oral small molecule designed as a single-dose treatment targeting the influenza cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) [9]. - The data presented at ICAR highlighted that TXM demonstrated 100% survival in a rodent challenge model against H5N1 bird flu, with significant reductions in lung viremia and no virus-induced weight loss [6][5]. - Laboratory studies showed TXM's potent suppression of influenza A, B, and C viruses, including those resistant to baloxavir, with sub-nanomolar potency against H5N1 [6]. Clinical Trials and Regulatory Plans - Phase 1 trial results indicated that a single dose of TXM maintained plasma blood levels at EC90 for approximately three weeks, demonstrating good overall tolerability [6]. - The company plans to meet with the FDA to discuss next steps, including the potential for an accelerated path to approval for TXM [2]. Market Opportunity - Seasonal influenza represents a significant multi-billion dollar antiviral market opportunity, driven by global health organizations and government tenders, with additional potential from pandemic flu outbreaks like H5N1 [7].
Traws Pharma's Bird Flu Drug Candidate, Tivoxavir Marboxil, Presented at ICAR