Sirona Biochem Corp. announced the results of its research collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ("ICGEB") in advancing Sirona's antiviral compound library. The ICGEB has completed a successful screening of a second compound library from Sirona's subsidiary TFChem, evaluating its potential as inhibitors of SARS-CoV2.

The library, comprised of 18 novel compounds, underwent testing at the ICGEB's Laboratory of Molecular Virology in Trieste, Italy. The testing was led by Dr. Alessandro Marcello, an internationally recognized expert in Human Virology. Among the 18 compounds, four exhibited notable antiviral activity.

The results of the testing and the selective index, which gauges potency versus toxicity, does not currently identify a lead compound. Consequently, the 38 compounds synthesized so far are not considered candidates for developing a treatment for SARS-CoV2 in humans. Sirona will be reviewing its collaboration agreement with the ICGEB after further discussions.

Potential options include testing the compounds against other pathogenic viruses and also analyzing their effect on living cells to confirm their targeted mechanism of action. Standardized testing procedures are available for these assessments.