Altasciences has been chosen by Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to conduct nonclinical studies to support the development of quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ, under the trade name of AnQlar). AnQlar is a nanoparticle intended to help prevent the spread of negatively charged viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza via intranasal spray and has been shown to inhibit the ability of the virus to replicate at non-toxic concentrations.

In development since 2022, the project has completed safety assessment utilizing intranasal administration at Altasciences’ nonclinical site in Columbia, MO. A cardiovascular study was also completed at Altasciences’ nonclinical facility in Scranton, PA. Bioanalytical sample analysis for the GLP studies is currently ongoing.

“We are very pleased to be working with Virpax again and are satisfied with the trajectory our studies have taken,” said Kyle Klepner, senior scientist, study director, safety assessment, at Altasciences. “The final step for this program will be a bioanalytical sample analysis. Once samples are validated, this will conclude the IND package.”
 
Sheila Mathias, chief scientific officer, Virpax said, “Our work with Altasciences over the last year has been both exceedingly productive and rewarding demonstrating tangible results, and the nonclinical support provided has been vital in ensuring the progress of this project.”