We announce that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office have granted our patents for the repurposing of diltiazem as a modulator of the innate antiviral defense, and its combination with current antivirals targeting influenza viruses. The synergy between Virnext’s expertise in respiratory viruses, preclinical in vitro and in vivo infection models, and facilities, along with those of the LVMC at the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, has enabled the development and preclinical validation of diltiazem as a broad-spectrum modulator of mucosal innate antiviral defense against respiratory viruses, which pose major public health challenges.

These granted patents expand the International Research Laboratory RESPIVIR France-Canada portfolio and underscore the strength of our platform for drug identification and repurposing as innovative, broad-spectrum, host-directed inhibitors of respiratory viruses. Our combinatorial strategy aims to enhance antiviral therapies and reduce the risk of spreading already emerged and/or circulating resistance mutations to current virus-targeted antivirals. Virnext’s commitment is aligned with national and European efforts to strengthen protection against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It also aims to contribute to the development of French industries in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and boost their international competitiveness by creating scientific, medical, economic, and societal value.