Catalent, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products, announced that it has signed an agreement with ViralClear Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ViralClear), a subsidiary of BioSig Technologies, to work on the development of a potential treatment for adults with advanced Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under the terms of the agreement, Catalent will be developing two oral dosage forms of ViralClear’s broad-spectrum anti-viral agent, merimepodib: a solution, and a solid oral dosage form.

ViralClear is undertaking research to investigate the potential of Merimepodib to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other anti-viral agents or immune modulators.

“We are pleased to be working with Catalent that has already manufactured clinical trial materials of our merimepodib oral solution for the current Phase 2 clinical trial and is performing further product development on liquid-filled oral formulations,” commented Steve King, Chief Operating Officer of ViralClear. He continued, “ViralClear is committed to using US-based contract development and manufacturing organizations for the development and commercialization of merimepodib.”

Catalent will work on the program at its St. Petersburg, Florida, facility, manufacturing oral solution for clinical studies, as well as undertaking feasibility studies on other liquid-filled oral formulations.

“Finding treatments for the pandemic we are faced with is a global priority, and, as a world leader in soft gel development and manufacturing, Catalent is ideally suited to work on this program with ViralClear,” commented Dr. Aris Gennadios, President, Softgel & Oral Technologies. “Our expertise and more than 85 years of experience in the lipid-based formulation will facilitate rapid clinical manufacturing and provide drug products that can be tested against the threat the virus poses as soon as possible.”

Catalent’s 453,000-square foot facility at St. Petersburg is its primary softgel development and manufacturing facility in the U.S., with a capacity of 18 billion capsules per year.

Catalent, Inc. is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products. With over 85 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable global clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs over 13,500 people, including over 2,400 scientists and technicians, at more than 40 facilities, and in the fiscal year, 2019 generated over $2.5 billion in annual revenue.