On Feb. 16, 2021, Anixa Biosciences announced that animal testing had commenced with two proprietary compounds that have shown potency in in vitro studies. One of the compounds tested targets an enzyme called an endoribonuclease, and the other compound targets the enzyme known as the main protease, Mpro.

Upon demonstration of potency in animals with one of these compounds, Anixa and collaboration partner OntoChem will have medicinal chemistry performed to optimize the potency before commencing comprehensive animal studies in anticipation of human clinical trials.