SyneuRx International, announced that its investigational oral SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) anti-viral drug candidate Pentarlandir has successfully demonstrated effectiveness against both the Omicron and Delta variants of the virus  in its preclinical studies. Pentarlandir is currently in the final stage of a Phase II US-FDA trial (Phase III is scheduled to begin in 2022).

Designed as an early-stage Covid-19 treatment, Pentarlandir is given by mouth to patients suffering either from early-stage 'breakthrough' cases of Covid-19 (for those who have been previously vaccinated or infected) or potentially as a first-line treatment pathway for the unvaccinated who might otherwise face potential hospitalization and death.

Pentarlandir is indicated for the majority of Covid-19 patients – people who are in general good health with little risk of progressing to severe Covid-19 (that would result in hospitalization and death). In contrast, the Pfizer drug Paxlovid is designed for those who are at high risk of developing serious COVID-19 complications, (those aged 65 and older, or patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, heart or respiratory disorders).

Given the natural origins of Pentarlandir's active chemical component, costs for the drug are expected to be significantly lower than for Paxlovid. As such, Pentarlandir will be more accessible and affordable to less wealthy nations and as such represents an ideal solution to addressing the large worldwide population infected with the variant Covid-19 viruses.