On Apr. 21, 2020, Immunic reported that its lead asset, IMU-838, a selective oral DHODH inhibitor successfully demonstrated preclinical activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). IMU-838 was observed to inhibit replication of clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 associated with COVID-19.

In cellular assays, IMU-838 demonstrated antiviral activity at concentrations which are well below the blood concentrations associated with IMU-838 dosing regimens studied in ongoing and previous clinical trials. These positive results encouraged Immunic to prepare a clinical development program for IMU-838 as a potential treatment option for patients with COVID-19 and potential other, future viral pandemics.