The university has recently published research in Cell Metabolism showing that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is supported by elevated glucose levels and that inhibiting glycolysis with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) eliminated viral load in vitro, Moleculin said. WP1122 is a 2-DG drug.

The partnership adds to Moleculin's existing collaboration with the Rega Institute for Medical Research in Belgium, also for the development of WP1122, the company said.

"We intend to rely on collaborations and identify development partners as well as access grants to support our WP1122 portfolio development as a part of our externally funded pipeline," said Moleculin Wally Klemp, chair and CEO, in a statement released by the firm. "We believe this approach brings broader virology expertise to the program while extending our cash runway into the second quarter of 2021."

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