Maxim Pharmaceuticals announced that its scientists have discovered a series of small molecules as inhibitors of the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). These compounds, designated the MX128533 series, have been tested for antimicrobial activity by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, at the Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, by Dr Dale Barnard and Dr Robert Sidwell.

The lead compound within Maxim's MX128533 series has demonstrated inhibition of the SARS-CoV in cell culture at very low concentrations (0.02 (mu)g/mL). In-vitro studies with the compound has demonstrated no toxic effect on uninfected cells even at the highest concentration tested, resulting in a selectivity index (SI) greater than 500. An (SI) of greater than 10 is considered significant by NIAID criteria. Dr Dale Barnard at the Utah State University has informed the Company that MX128533 is a highly potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV. The MX128533 series of compounds will be further evaluated in-vitro and in preclinical animal models under the agreement with NIAID to select a potential development candidate.

"We are pleased by the potency and selectivity of the MX128533 series of compounds as they may be more potent and selective than other reported compounds," said Kurt Gehlsen, Maxim's senior vice president, and chief scientific officer. "Discovery of the MX128533 series was the result of a focused effort by our chemistry group to examine the structure of the SARS coronavirus and to design and synthesize a series of novel small molecule inhibitors of the virus."