Background:

Pocapavir is an investigational enterovirus (EV) capsid inhibitor.

Pocapavir acts as a capsid inhibitor, preventing virion uncoating upon entry into the cell. Treatment with Pocapavir is safe and significantly accelerates virus clearance[1]. Pocapavir, an investigational oral antiviral, has been used in a case of neonatal enterovirus sepsis. Pocapavir, also known as SCH 48973 and V-073, is a potent, selective anti-enteroviral agent only available as an emergency investigational drug. Pocapavir belongs to a picornavirus antiviral mechanistic class called capsid inhibitors that block virus uncoating and viral RNA release into cells, which in turn prevents virus replication[2].

[1]. Collett MS, et al. Antiviral Activity of Pocapavir in a Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Human Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Challenge Model. J Infect Dis. 2017 Feb 1;215(3):335-343. [2]. Wittekind SG, et al. Neonatal Enterovirus Myocarditis With Severe Dystrophic Calcification: Novel Treatment WithPocapavir. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep. 2017 Sep 14;5(3):2324709617729393.