NoToVir is a new biotech PMI established in December 2017 that is active in the field of medical biotechnology.. NoToVir arises from the experience and work carried out over the years by the Laboratory of Pathogenesis of Viral Infections – Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin (UniTo), in collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Novara, Italy. The company’s main objective is the screening of innovative antiviral molecules for the production of new pharmacologically selectively active principles against viral infections and virus related cancers.

TECHNOLOGY

The current development efforts are centered on Selisistat, an innovative therapeutic agent currently undergoing a Phase 2b clinical trial targeting head and neck cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Selisistat is being evaluated for its potential as a chemo-radio-sensitizer, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of standard chemoradiotherapy in this specific subset of HPV-driven malignancies. This innovative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies by modulating the tumor microenvironment and targeting viral persistence, addressing critical gaps in the treatment of virus-associated malignancies where current options are often insufficient. In parallel, the team continues its research on Herpesvirus infections, with a focus on congenital cytomegalovirus (cHCMV) infections and cytomegalovirus-related complications in immunosuppressed transplant patients. These conditions remain inadequately addressed due to the limitations of current treatments, including non-specific experimental drugs with significant side effects. Early-stage research includes the development of patented compounds targeting the post-translational modifications (PTMs) required for Herpesvirus replication, with a specific focus on citrullination, a novel mechanism identified by the team as critical during viral infections. Together, these research lines reflect NoToVir’s commitment to advancing innovative therapeutic strategies across a wide range of unmet medical needs.

MARKET

Based on recent data, a global overview of the current market value of drugs used for the therapy of HCMV infections can be drawn, as detailed in the recently published report “Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections – Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecasts to 2019 “(GlobalData, 2013).